Local News
Milford police issued the warning after a 15-year-old lost control of an e-bike and collided with a car.
A series of recent e-bike incidents in Milford has prompted a warning from local police, who say the trend could lead to serious consequences if it continues.
The latest crash occurred around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday near Highlight Street; a driver reported her vehicle had been struck by a juvenile riding an e-bike, according to a statement from the Milford Police Department.
Responding officers spoke with the 15-year-old, who said he had lost control of his e-bike before colliding with the car, police said. No injuries were reported.
The crash marked the seventh e-bike-related incident in Milford in the past 10 days, according to police.
“We are once again urging our community to educate your children of the significant safety risks to riders and pedestrians if proper laws and safety precautions are not taken,” Milford Chief of Police Robert Tusino said. “If this trend continues it will unquestionably result in tragedy.”
The warning comes as communities across Massachusetts grapple with a rise in e-bike use and safety concerns.
Under Massachusetts law, e-bikes with motors under 750 watts, including Class 1 and Class 2 bikes, are generally treated like traditional bicycles, requiring no license. Riders must be 16 to operate them on public ways, and helmets are mandatory for all riders.
In the Boston area, several high-profile incidents have intensified the debate over regulations and enforcement. Last year, a man died after being struck by an e-bike near Copley Square, and a teenage boy was killed in Stoneham after crashing an electric dirt bike into a car.
Elsewhere in the state, a Brewster woman was seriously injured when she was struck by an e-bike on a Cape Cod trail, in an incident that drew attention and renewed calls for stricter oversight.
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