We shouldn’t wait until a child, senior, pedestrian—or one of these young riders—is seriously injured before deciding this was a problem worth addressing.
By MARK PORIER | Biddeford
There is a growing safety problem on Biddeford’s sidewalks, and pretending it isn’t happening won’t make it disappear.
Children and teenagers are riding increasingly powerful electric bikes at speeds that have no place on sidewalks shared with pedestrians. Some of these machines are capable of 20 mph or more. When they are ridden recklessly around walkers, children, seniors and people walking dogs, they aren’t simply toys anymore. They become a legitimate public-safety concern.
This is not an argument against e-bikes. They are useful, fun and can be an excellent way for young people to get outside.
But a sidewalk is not a racetrack.
Biddeford already recognizes that distinction. City Code §62-58 prohibits riding bicycles on public sidewalks. The City also regulates bicycles on its streets and public ways under §42-5, including requiring a suitable bell or other signaling device when riding on a street or public way.
The arrival of high-powered electric bikes makes enforcement of these rules more important, not less.
Maine law defines an electric bicycle as a two- or three-wheeled bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are limited to motor assistance around 20 mph, while Class 3 pedal-assist bikes may provide assistance up to 28 mph.
Think about what 20 or 28 mph means on a sidewalk.
A person walking a dog may have only seconds to react. A young child can suddenly move sideways. Someone can step out of a driveway. A dog can cross in front of a rider. At those speeds, a collision isn’t likely to result in a scraped knee and an apology. Someone could be seriously injured.
There are also age restrictions that parents need to understand. Under Maine law, anyone under 16 may not operate a Class 2 or Class 3 electric bicycle. Riders or passengers under 16 on an electric bicycle must also wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
At those speeds, a collision isn’t likely to result in a scraped knee and an apology. Someone could be seriously injured.
And there is an important distinction being overlooked in the broader e-bike discussion.
If the machine doesn’t have fully operable pedals, it doesn’t meet Maine’s statutory definition of an electric bicycle. Likewise, Maine law says that if an electric bike is modified so the motor provides assistance beyond the statutory speed limits, it is no longer legally considered an electric bicycle.
That matters when we’re seeing electric machines that look and perform more like small dirt bikes or motorcycles being treated as though they’re ordinary bicycles simply because they’re electric.
Parents need to know what they’re buying their children.
What class is it? How fast does it go? Does it have operable pedals? Is their child legally old enough to operate it? And, perhaps most importantly, does their child understand that pedestrians have every right to use a sidewalk without having a motorized machine bearing down on them?
The City has a responsibility as well.
Nobody is suggesting police spend their days chasing children on bicycles. Education and warnings should come first. Talk to riders. Talk to parents. Make the rules clear.
But when riders repeatedly operate these machines recklessly, enforcement needs to follow.
Maine law already gives municipalities an enforcement tool involving juveniles: under certain circumstances, a police chief may impound a bicycle or scooter operated by someone under 17 in violation of state bicycle law—up to five days for a first offense, 10 days for a second and 30 days for subsequent offenses.
Biddeford should also review whether its ordinances adequately reflect modern e-bike technology. Rules written when a “bicycle” meant something powered entirely by someone’s legs weren’t written with today’s electric machines in mind.
The answer isn’t banning e-bikes.
It’s establishing a simple expectation: Ride responsibly, obey the law and stay off sidewalks where bicycles are prohibited.
Parents need to parent. Riders need to ride responsibly. And the City needs to enforce its ordinances.
We shouldn’t wait until a child, senior, pedestrian—or one of these young riders—is seriously injured before deciding this was a problem worth addressing.
By then, the conversation will have come too late.
The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Biddeford Gazette, its staff, affiliates or sponsors. We encourage robust and diverse community conversations on topics related to the city of Biddeford. To submit your own letter or column, please CONTACT US
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