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Winchester Police Lt. Frank Limoncelli says complaints about electric bikes are climbing, with collisions between e-bikes and cars among the biggest concerns.
“Some of these can reach speeds of 25 to 35 miles per hour,” Limoncelli said. “At that speed, you’re going to have to pay close attention.”
Select Board member Bill McGonigle acknowledged both the complaints and the popularity of e-bikes in Winchester.
“We are going to have to learn how to adapt,” McGonigle said, noting the issue has not yet come before the board.
Parents are fueling the trend, buying $1,500 and $2,000 models for their kids. Police urge families to talk seriously about safe use. Some adult-sized e-bikes weigh 80 pounds or more, raising concerns when operated by children.
Sales and regulations
Across Massachusetts, e-bike sales are booming. Nationally, more than 1.1 million were sold in 2022, nearly four times the 2019 figure. Massachusetts launched a rebate program in 2025 offering vouchers of $500 to $1,200 for qualifying residents, with overwhelming demand reported.
Unlike cars or mopeds, e-bikes do not require registration, making it difficult for police to identify riders or vehicles in violations.
Massachusetts law defines e-bikes as bicycles with pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less.
- Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assist and top out at 20 mph.
- Class 2 e-bikes use throttle-assist but also stop at 20 mph.
- Class 3 e-bikes reach 28 mph with pedal-assist but are not recognized in Massachusetts, creating a regulatory gap.
E-bikes are banned on sidewalks statewide. Winchester bylaw allows regular bicycles on sidewalks outside the business district, but e-bikes are prohibited due to state law.
E-bikes are allowed on roads, bike lanes and paved shared-use paths like the Tri-Community Greenway unless signage says otherwise. Helmets are required for riders 16 and younger, and lights are required at night. No license or registration is needed for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Mopeds and motorcycles, by contrast, require both.
Local concerns
Local concerns include unsafe youth riding, enforcement challenges and adult-sized machines being used by minors. Residents have also complained about unregistered electric motorcycles and dirt bikes capable of speeds up to 60 mph being ridden illegally by children as young as 11.
The combination of powerful machines and young riders has created new safety challenges for Winchester officials. The lack of registration requirements compounds enforcement difficulties, as officers cannot easily track violators or identify repeat offenders.
Winchester Police are encouraging parents to have serious conversations about e-bike safety, particularly given the weight and speed capabilities of adult models now commonly purchased for children. The department emphasizes that while legal e-bikes offer environmental and transportation benefits, their power requires responsible use.
The regulatory gap for Class 3 e-bikes adds another layer of complexity. These faster models may fall into legal gray areas, potentially requiring motorcycle licenses and registration depending on their specific capabilities.
Looking ahead
Local officials may face the challenge of adapting infrastructure and policies designed for traditional bicycles to accommodate electric models that can travel at near-automotive speeds.
Winchester’s experience mirrors concerns in communities across Massachusetts and nationwide as e-bike adoption accelerates. The state rebate program, designed to promote cleaner transportation options, has likely increased local demand for models that parents might not otherwise purchase for their children.
Police continue to monitor e-bike activity and respond to resident complaints about unsafe riding behavior. The department faces the ongoing challenge of distinguishing between legal e-bikes and illegal electric motorcycles during routine patrols.
As e-bike ownership continues to grow in Winchester, local officials must balance promoting environmentally friendly transportation with ensuring public safety on roads and shared-use paths designed for different types of vehicles and users.
