Suffolk County leaders and medical professionals are sounding the alarm over a surge in injuries involving electric‑bikes, electric‑scooters and motor‑ized dirt bikes. The County Executive, Edward Romaine, called the trend a “safety issue” and warned that the region is seeing “too many” accidents.
Doctors report serious injuries, including children
Trauma surgeon Dr. Jerry Rubano of South Shore University Hospital described the situation as a “real public safety and public health crisis.” Hospital staff have treated at least 40 patients each year with injuries ranging from broken bones to life‑threatening trauma. Among those patients are children as young as eight who were riding e‑bikes on public streets.
Dr. Richard Scriven, chief of pediatrics at the same facility, emphasized the developmental gap: “These children don’t have the maturity to judge what it’s like to go around the corner with sand in the street at 30 miles an hour. They just don’t have the experience.” He added that the lack of helmets and the high speeds of these vehicles compound the danger.
Police seize illegal vehicles and launch awareness campaign
Suffolk County police have confiscated more than 200 vehicles that failed to meet state legal standards. A public service announcement outlines the requirements for a legal e‑bike: operable pedals, an electric motor under 750 watts, and a label indicating class, wattage and assisted speed.
Deputy Chief David Regina warned that many models marketed as e‑bikes or e‑scooters are modified to remove pedals or exceed speed limits, making them illegal for street use. “What they buy or what they give their children is not street legal, and is not actually an e‑bike or an e‑scooter,” he said.
Parents face fines; officials compare unsafe riding to dangerous weapons
Under Suffolk County law, parents can be fined for allowing minors under 16 to operate these vehicles on public roads. Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina made a stark comparison, stating, “Allowing your 14‑year‑old child to operate an e‑bike, particularly without a helmet, is really not much different than giving them a loaded handgun.” The statement underscores the administration’s view that reckless vehicle use poses a comparable risk to firearms in the hands of untrained youths.
County officials stress that the message to parents is clear: verify that any e‑bike or e‑scooter a child uses complies with legal specifications and that proper safety gear, especially helmets, is worn at all times.
What families can do
- Check the vehicle’s label for class, wattage and assisted speed.
- Ensure the e‑bike has functional pedals and does not exceed 20 mph assisted speed.
- Require helmets for all riders, regardless of age.
- Supervise younger riders and restrict use to private property or designated bike paths.
- Stay informed about local ordinances and potential fines for illegal operation.
By promoting awareness and enforcing existing regulations, Suffolk County hopes to curb the growing number of injuries and protect its youngest road users.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
