Parents: Before You Buy an EBike, Know This Law in New York

The holidays are here, and millions of children in New York State are hoping Santa brings them what they want for Christmas. Video games, toys, and the latest trends will, as always, dominate the want lists. That includes a growing trend across the state and country for kids to be seen riding Electric Bikes and E-Scooters.

I don't know about you, but I have been seeing an increasing number of younger people on Ebikes and Escooters, from sidewalks to trails to being on actual roads. It's not just adults taking up the convenient and rather fast way to travel. These things can easily hit 30MPH and more. Some people even modify them to go faster. I regularly see a man clearly headed to work on an e-scooter slipping through car traffic.

It's easy to see why, too. They are cheaper than a car, motorcycle, or scooter. They are electronic, so all you have to do is charge them. They are fun, too, as they are obviously faster than a traditional bike or scooter. The problem is that there aren't a lot of laws thus far regulating them. It's common to see them in traffic, with a person not wearing a helmet, let alone following traffic laws. When it coems to kids, thohg,m New Yorkl has a law every parent needs to know.

Parents: Before You Buy an EBike, Know This Law in New York

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate an EBike or EScooter in New York State. Any child riding one is subject to a ticket, which would go to the parent. So, before you buy your kid one of these things, know that they have to be 16 to legally operate it.

Now, if it's just around your home and is a low-powered one, chances are no one is ticketing you. I'm not saying you should do this or buy one for your kid. I'm just saying it's likely no one bothers you. Be sure your kids are wearing the proper safety equipment.

Happy holidays, and be safe out there.