The growing use of electric bicycles among children and teenagers has prompted safety concerns in Holden and Rutland, where local officials say some riders are operating the bikes in ways that create risks for themselves, motorists and pedestrians.

Rutland Police Detective Jacob Deschamps said the department has seen a “significant increase” in e-bike use, particularly among juveniles. The department has received numerous complaints about children operating e-bikes unsafely on public roads, including cutting in front of vehicles, riding along the centerline, weaving through traffic and performing wheelies on busy roads.

“I have also responded to several crashes involving e-bikes,” Deschamps said. “Thankfully, we have not had any serious injuries in town yet.”

Deschamps said some of the most common problems involve riders either not understanding or choosing not to follow the rules of the road. Officers have seen riders misjudge the speed or distance of approaching vehicles, travel at excessive speeds and perform wheelies in traffic.

The department has also received reports of juveniles arguing with motorists and groups of riders occupying the roadway and preventing vehicles from passing safely. Deschamps said Main Street, Maple Avenue and Pommogussett Road have generated a particularly high frequency of complaints, although concerns have been reported throughout town.

Another concern is that not every vehicle marketed or used as an “e-bike” meets the legal definition of an electric bicycle in Massachusetts.

According to a Rutland Police public-service announcement (PSA), a legal electric bicycle must be equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less and meet the requirements of a Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycle. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on roadways, bike paths and bike lanes and receive the same rights and privileges as other bicyclists, but they are not permitted on sidewalks. Riders under 16 are required to wear helmets.

The PSA also distinguishes e-bikes from electric dirt bikes and similar vehicles. Deschamps said some of the devices that officers encounter are throttle operated, lack operable pedals, and are capable of speeds of approximately 40 to 45 miles per hour.

“That is a very different vehicle from the e-bike that many parents may have in mind when they hear the term,” Deschamps said.

The Rutland Police PSA states that electric bicycles may not be modified in a way that changes their motor-powered speed capability or engagement. Deschamps said parents should understand exactly what they are purchasing for their children, including the vehicle’s speed and capabilities.

Holden Town Manager Peter Lukes said the town has faced a separate challenge when officers attempt to respond to complaints.

“It is nearly impossible for our police officers to be everywhere the e-bikers violate traffic laws or when they ride where they’re not supposed to,” Lukes said. He added that riders can leave the area quickly before officers arrive and that the bikes have no tags or registration, making them difficult to track.

Lukes said Holden officials have asked parents to provide greater oversight of their children’s e-bike use, particularly because of the possibility of serious injuries.

Deschamps said Rutland’s approach has focused on education before enforcement. Officers have spoken with juveniles and their parents about the applicable laws and safety concerns, and he said many have been receptive and corrected the behavior.

“I don’t want to discourage that,” Deschamps said of young people riding bikes. “Ultimately, our goal isn’t to stop kids from riding bikes; it’s to prevent a serious crash or injury.”

With school back in session, Lukes said Holden expects fewer issues for now. He said the town plans to send reminders to schools and parents in the spring about responsible and safe e-bike use.

The Paxton Police Department was contacted in hopes of getting some sort of statement or information on this matter, but there was no response in time before the paper went to press.  W