Yisroel R.

The Town of Orangetown is moving toward stricter enforcement and new local rules for e-bikes and e-scooters, following growing safety concerns over riders speeding through streets, sidewalks, parks, and popular walking trails.

The issue has become a serious concern in recent months as more children and teenagers use electric bikes and scooters on local streets and often in areas shared with pedestrians, families, and young children. Town officials have raised concerns about high-speed riding, unsafe operation, sidewalk use, and the growing number of complaints connected to the devices.

Under New York State law, riders under 16 years old are not allowed to operate e-bikes or e-scooters. While the rule has been in place since the state legalized the devices in 2020, many parents and riders have not been aware that children under 16 are not legally allowed to ride them.

Orangetown is now preparing to put more attention on enforcement. Digital signs have been posted in the town to remind residents of the age rules, and officials are expected to begin cracking down on underage riding and other violations. Under the proposed local law, violations could carry fines, and devices used by riders under 16 could be impounded until a parent or guardian picks them up and pays a release fee.

A major focus of the discussion is the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail, a popular paved path used by walkers, joggers, bike riders, families, and children. Residents have raised concerns that e-bikes and scooters moving at high speeds on the trail create a danger for pedestrians, especially in crowded areas.

To address those concerns, the proposed Orangetown law would set new rules for where e-bikes and e-scooters can be used and how they must be operated. The draft law would require riders to yield to pedestrians, keep the devices off sidewalks except in limited situations, and restrict their use in parks and on town trails. It would still allow them on certain multi-use paths, including the Joseph B. Clarke Rail Trail, but with stricter speed limits and enforcement.

The Town Board has scheduled a public hearing for July 28 at 7:05 p.m. on the proposed local law, titled “Electric Bicycles and Electric Scooters.” The hearing will give residents an opportunity to weigh in before the town moves forward with adopting the new rules.