E-Bike Safety

Last Content Update:

IF YOU WITNESS A PERSON USING AN E-MOTO BIKE ON A ROADWAY, TRAIL OR IN OUR PARKS, PLEASE CONTACT 911.

THIS WILL AID IN ENFORCEMENT.

E-Bike Safety

The Town of Victor wants to ensure the safety of everyone who utilizes our roadways, parks, or trails.

With e-bike popularity on the rise, we want to ensure that you and your loved ones know the laws, regulations, and responsibilities associated with riding electric devices like e-bikes and e-motos.

Know Your Traffic Laws

  • Class 1 E-bikes are allowed on “any road, path or way that is open to bicycle travel.” This means they can be ridden on roads (except limited access highways), bike lanes, bike paths, multi-use paths, and sidewalks.
  • Class 1 E-bikes must follow all traffic laws including riding with traffic and obeying traffic signals.

Protect Yourself

  • Always wear a helmet regardless of your age. The law requires riders under the age of 16 to wear one at all times.
  • Limit distractions and never wear ear buds when riding.

Be Aware of Traffic and Pedestrians

  • The more predictably you ride, the safer you are. Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
  • Always be courteous to pedestrians around you.

Rules of the Road

  • Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Use an audible signal when passing pedestrians.
  • Obey all traffic laws, including riding with traffic and following traffic signals.
  • Riders are required to come to a complete stop at a stop sign; this means bringing their e-bike to a full halt before entering the intersection.
  • For your safety, always yield to traffic when entering an intersection or when passing a driveway.

Control Your Speed and Brake Early

E-bikes are quick to pick up momentum and can cause severe injury when at high speeds. Give yourself the appropriate amount of time to slow down.

Stay Visible

Know that you are not as visible to drivers as they are to you. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights when riding in low-light conditions or at night.

E-bike classifications

E-bikes have different classifications, with different rules for each. Know what class your bike falls in, so you can follow the appropriate bike laws.

Vehicle Type Table for EBike Safety

This is a Class 1 e-bike

Class 1 EBike pic

Know Before You Buy or Ride

THIS IS NOT AN E-BIKE

EMoto Bike not an ebike pic

This is a Motorcycle, aka E-Moto

They Are NOT Street Legal.

  • Brands include SurRon, Titan, Falcon, and Talaria
  • They are the same size as a typical 250cc dirt bike
  • They are significantly more powerful than an e-bike
  • It can be modified to go at speeds up to 70 mph
  • Riding an e-moto on sidewalks and roadways is illegal in New York State

FIRE PREVENTION TIPS

  • Buy an electric bike that is certified by a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging and storage.
  • Always use the manufacturer's cord and power adapter made specifically for the bike.
  • Do not leave an electric bike unattended while it's charging, and don't leave it charging overnight.
  • If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, a change in shape or color, leaking, or odd noises, stop using it immediately.
  • If the battery reacts in an alarming way, and it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
  • Keep batteries and devices at room temperature. Do not place them in direct sunlight.
  • Store batteries away from anything flammable.
  • Do not use aftermarket batteries.
  • Do not charge an electronic device under your pillow, on your bed, or near a couch.
  • Do not block your primary way into and out of the building with an e-bike.
  • Do not leave an e-bike in a child's room.
  • Store your battery for a prolonged time at a fully-charged or fully-discharged state.
  • Leave the battery inserted in the bike while traveling in a bike rack.
  • Clean your bike's components with direct water contact.

IF YOU WITNESS A PERSON USING AN E-MOTO BIKE ON A ROADWAY, TRAIL OR IN OUR PARKS, PLEASE CONTACT 911.

THIS WILL AID IN ENFORCEMENT.