05/08/2026
🚨 Acushnet Police Department PSA: Juvenile Bicycle & E-Bike Safety 🚲
With warmer weather here, we’re seeing an increase in unsafe bicycle and e-bike operation—particularly involving juveniles. Please review Massachusetts laws and safety expectations:
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Helmet Laws (Massachusetts)
• Required for ALL riders age 16 and under
• Must be properly fitted and securely fastened
👉 No helmet = violation and increased risk of serious injury.
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⚠️ Bicycle Operation Laws
• Bicycles must follow all traffic laws (same as motor vehicles)
• Riders must keep at least one hand on handlebars
• Lights required after dark (white front / red rear)
• Must operate safely and not endanger others
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⚡ E-Bike vs. Motorized Bike (Massachusetts Law)
E-Bikes (Class 1 & 2):
• Max speed: 20 mph
• Must have fully operable pedals
• No license required
• Follow all bicycle laws
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🚫 It becomes a Motorized Bike or E-Dirt Bike
Under Massachusetts General Law it becomes a Motorized Bike
if it falls under any of these categories:
• Goes over 20 mph,
• Has been modified, OR
• Lacks functional pedals,
Motorized Bike Requirements:
• Minimum age: 16
• Driver’s license or learner’s permit required
• Helmet required (all ages)
• Subject to motor vehicle laws
Enforcement of Motorized Bikes
Operating a motorized bike without meeting the above requirements is not just a violation—it can be criminal, including:
• Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
• Reckless operation
• Other applicable charges depending on behavior
👉 These offenses may result in criminal charges.
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🚫 Prohibited / Unsafe Behavior We Are Seeing
• Performing wheelies in traffic or public roadways
• Riding with no hands / stunt riding
• Multiple riders on bikes not designed for passengers
• Riding into traffic without regard for vehicles
• Operating high-speed or modified e-bikes
• Riding on sidewalks in unsafe ways
• Riding inside Pope Park
• Unsafe Riding in the Pope Park Parking Lot
👉 These behaviors create serious safety risks and may lead to enforcement action.
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🚨 Seizure of Bicycles / E-Bikes
The Acushnet Police Department may seize bicycles or e-bikes when:
• Used in the commission of a crime
• Operated in a dangerous or reckless manner (Wheelies, weaving in and out of lanes, etc)
• Determined to be illegal motorized bikes
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👨👩👧 Message to Parents
• Know what your child is riding—many e-bikes are not legal for juveniles
• Ensure helmets are worn every time
• Make clear that stunt riding (wheelies, no hands) is not allowed on roadways
• Understand that some violations can result in criminal charges, not just warnings
• There is explicitly no riding e-bikes or motorized bikes inside Pope Park at any time of day
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🚓 Bottom Line
These laws exist to prevent serious injuries and protect everyone on our roadways. We will continue education and enforcement to address unsafe operation.
