New Bedford Police Warn Parents About Electric Bikes

As Christmas morning gets closer, many parents are checking off wish lists and eyeing some pretty exciting gifts. To be specific: electric bikes.

They look fun, modern, and are a great way to get kids outside. However, before you wrap one up and slide it under the tree, the New Bedford Police Department is asking parents to pause for a moment.

Not all electric bikes are created equal, and the differences matter more than most people realize. While electric bicycles and electric dirt bikes may look similar at first glance, they fall under very different laws when it comes to where you can ride them, who can operate them, and what safety equipment is required.

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What Counts as an Electric Bicycle?

Electric bicycles are designed to be closer to traditional bikes, just with a little extra help. In Massachusetts, these bikes can be ridden on roadways, bike lanes, and bike paths, but they are not allowed on sidewalks. Riders under 16 are required to wear a helmet, and the bikes are capped at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour with motors no stronger than 750 watts.

Electric Dirt Bikes Are a Different Story

Electric dirt bikes are treated much more like recreational motor vehicles. They require Massachusetts registration, riders must be at least 16 years old with a learner’s permit or valid driver’s license, and a DOT-approved helmet is mandatory.

Most importantly, electric dirt bikes are for off-road use only. They are not permitted on public roads, bike paths, or sidewalks.

Why This Matters Before Christmas Morning

The New Bedford Police Department says understanding these differences ahead of time can help prevent confusion, tickets, or unsafe riding situations. What looks like the perfect gift could quickly become a headache if it turns out it can’t legally be used in your neighborhood.