E-Bike Safety in Meridian

E-bikes and electric motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger riders. While they can be more convenient and seem harmless, they are also creating safety challenges in our parks, pathways, streets, and neighborhoods. I know I have seen unsafe riding behavior, as have others. This has included riding at high speeds, large groups riding together on our roads and pathways, performing stunts in traffic, and damage to public and private property. This behavior is dangerous, and it is important that riders, parents, and the community take these issues seriously before someone gets hurt.

There are state laws around e-bikes and e-scooters. Sometimes they can be hard to understand, so we have built a website surrounding E-Bike information to try and make it easier to understand and help answer some of the questions we receive from the community. We have also posted signs at Discovery and Meridian's Settlers Park, making riders aware of the rules for those areas. 

While they may look similar, not all e-bikes are the same. Those that have pedals installed by the manufacturer (no foot pegs), a motor smaller than 750 watts, or a max speed of less than 30 miles per hour are considered Electric-Assisted Bicycles and are generally allowed anywhere a traditional bicycle is allowed and must follow all laws applicable to bicycle riders. 

E-bikes that have foot pegs (no pedals), a 750-watt or larger motor, or a potential speed over 30 miles per hour are considered motorcycles and are more similar to their gas-powered cousins than the electric-pedal-assist bicycles. Just like motorcycles, when driven on public property, all rules of the road apply.  These devices may only be operated by licensed drivers with a motorcycle endorsement, must be insured, and they must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Motorbikes require registration through the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation.)

Parents should be aware of the differences between these devices and make sure they are purchasing the right vehicle for their expected use. Letting unlicensed and unsupervised children operate these vehicles in a roadway is illegal and could be a recipe for a serious accident or injury. Parents may also be cited for allowing their child to operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway and will be responsible for any damage caused by their minor child.  Again, it comes back to a parent’s responsibility.

Last summer and fall, Meridian Police increased patrol presence in several parks to help ensure a safe environment for all. The department also spent time on public education and will continue those efforts. However, we need your help.

I encourage Meridian’s parents to carefully consider these purchases and stay involved. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their children understand how to operate them safely and where they are allowed to ride. We want our youth to have fun responsibly. However, anyone operating (or allowing a child to operate) an e-bike, scooter, motorcycle, or similar device recklessly may be charged with a misdemeanor if observed by a police officer.

Reckless behavior should be reported by calling 911 or the Meridian Police Non-Emergency Line at 208-377-6790. To issue a citation, the reporting person may be asked to provide any video evidence, make an official statement, or testify in court.
Meridian is a city that loves being outdoors, and we want everyone to enjoy our parks, paths, and streets safely and legally. For more guidance on e-bike use and how to be a courteous rider, check out the city’s E-Bike website.

Note: The information provided in this blog entry is for general educational purposes only, is not legal advice, and should not be relied upon to make decisions about your legal rights. Laws may change, different laws not discussed here may apply, and laws may apply differently to a particular e-bike or other wheeled item than as described here. Please familiarize yourself with all applicable laws and contact your legal counsel as needed.