The Hanover Police Department is launching a crackdown on unsafe electric bicycle use after what officials describe as a dramatic rise in reckless riding by local youth.
Police say they've seen children as young as 12 years old riding e-bikes and electric scooters along busy roads like Route 53—often going the wrong way, cutting off vehicles, and operating without helmets. The department warned that these behaviors pose a significant risk not only to the young riders themselves but also to motorists.
“Unlike most urban communities, Hanover has no dedicated bicycle lanes, making e-bike usage more dangerous,” the department stated. “Massachusetts also lacks appropriate license and education requirements for e-bike operators, resulting in motorists sharing the roads with young children who simply have no level of awareness regarding the dangers they face.”
Effective immediately, Hanover Police will strictly enforce all bicycle safety laws, including Massachusetts General Law Chapter 85, Section 11B, which prohibits operating a bicycle in a manner that endangers public safety. Riders under 18 who are cited for operating to endanger (OTE) will have their e-bikes impounded.
“This is a zero-tolerance, preemptive approach,” police said. “We are doing this out of an abundance of caution to prevent a tragedy that we believe is not a matter of if—but when—it will occur.”
E-bikes, which are heavier and faster than traditional bicycles, have become increasingly popular in town. But with that popularity comes increased risk. Police say crashes involving e-bikes are often more severe, as seen in neighboring communities.
The department also raised concerns about “Class 3” e-bikes, which can travel at higher speeds but are not yet recognized under Massachusetts law. Police strongly discourage parents from purchasing these high-speed models for children and warned that even Class 1 and Class 2 bikes can easily be modified to exceed legal speed limits—often with a simple wire snip.
Hanover Police urge parents to educate themselves and their children about e-bike safety, including the different classifications and the risks associated with each. They are also asking parents to reconsider allowing children under 16 to operate e-bikes altogether.
“Even if your child is a responsible rider, motorists they share the road with are more distracted than ever before,” the department cautioned. “These e-bikes, similar to motorcycles, offer no protection should a collision occur.”
Until state laws catch up with the growing popularity of e-bikes, Hanover Police say they will use every tool available to educate the community and enforce safety measures.
“We ask our community to join us in keeping motorists—and young riders—safe this summer and beyond,” the department said.