NEWBURYPORT — With summer hitting its peak, local officials are reminding riders of electric-powered bikes that they are subject to the same laws as everyone else.
Electric-powered bikes have become popular in recent years with more than 1.1 million electric bicycles sold in the United States in 2022. That number is projected to grow by 10% annually, according to the American College of Surgeons.
The same agency also recognized the risks caused by electric bikes, noting that at the time of the June 2025 statement, over 20,000 people were injured while riding electric bicycles annually with approximately 3,000 requiring hospitalization, that the rate of electric bicycle injuries was increasing annually, and that electric bicycle injuries are more severe than their manual bicycle counterparts.
Newburyport Parks Commission Chair Ted Boretti said e-bikes have become an issue in the city’s parks and on the Clipper City Rail Trail as they continue to fill up during the summer months.
“While plenty of e-bikers ride safely and respectfully among the trail’s many pedestrians, the Parks Commission has fielded several complaints about speeding e-cyclists causing dangerous situations and even collisions,” Boretti said in a letter to The Daily News. “With e-motored vehicles, it is far too easy for even the youngest user to twist the throttle and reach dangerous speeds.”
Newburyport police Lt. Rick Siemasko said Tuesday that as far as he knows, the city has not had any major accidents involving e-bikes.
“But I know statewide and nationally, there have been some horrific accidents with them,” Siemasko said. “The laws are a little behind the technology.”
In November, 13-year-old Parker Robles was killed when the e-dirt bike he was riding collided with a car in Stoneham. Roughly five months later, Gov. Maura Healey filed the Ride Safe Act, which aims to regulate them.
Despite the lack of fatal or serious e-bike-related incidents, Siemasko said e-bikes and similar vehicles are a problem in the city.
“Just in general, people operating them at excessive rates of speed and not following the rules of the road,” Siemasko said. “Bicycles are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, and we’re having problems with people operating at excessive speed, on the wrong side of the road, that sort of thing.”
Those caught not obeying the rules of the road face the potential of being cited, Siemasko added.
Boretti said the Parks Commission has deliberated but opted not to issue a blanket ban on e-powered vehicles on the rail trail.
“We understand that for many, an e-motored bike, scooter or chair may be the only means for someone to enjoy the rail trail. Instead, speed limit signage is clearly posted in several locations,” Boretti said. “Updated trail maps offering a comprehensive list of trail rules and regulations are forthcoming. There are explicit directions for dismounting and walking bikes in particularly congested sections of the rail trail. But signage can only go so far.”
He stressed that ultimately, personal responsibility dictates whether someone chooses to follow park rules and regulations.
“In addition, the willingness of park users to call the police to enforce park rules and regulations is a powerful deterrent against the most flagrant offenders,” Boretti said. “News stories abound about e-bikers riding in ways that cause significant harm to themselves and others. The rail trail is a recreational trail designed to be responsibly enjoyed by all.”
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.