Photo: Jim MacKay/WBZ NewsRadio
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Electric bikes have Plymouth residents split, as potential restrictions loom large.
The Town of Plymouth's Select Board has been considering legislation to restrict the use of e-bikes, regulating everything from age limits to speed and equipment requirements.
Those in favor of restrictions have pointed to an increasing number of incidents involving e-bikes in the town, including a 13-year-old boy who was hit by a car in July and broke two dozen bones. Those against the restrictions have argued that the town should focus on education, not elimination to address safety concerns.
E-bike riders packed a recent Select Board meeting to voice their concerns. Juan, who lives in Manomet and uses his e-bike daily, is among those urging the town to reconsider the regulations.
"They assist you in every way," said Juan. "They're cool, they get you around a little quicker than the regular bikes."
While there have been plenty of adults in the town like Juan who use e-bikes as their primary form of transportation, most of the debate has centered on how children have been using the e-bikes.
"It's the kids on the electric bikes, and that's what we really think is the problem....kids acting like maniacs," said one resident.
However, others have argued it would be unfair to restrict children's use of the e-bikes, particularly in a time when children are spending less and less time outdoors.
"Way better than sitting at a screen for eight hours a day and playing video games and doing nonsense like that," said another resident.
Another meeting is set for Dec. 16 to determine if any regulations will be considered in the spring.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.