Bloomfield Township in Michigan has introduced a six-month moratorium preventing anyone under 16 from riding electric bikes and electric scooters on sidewalks or township property.
The temporary measure was approved by the township’s Board of Trustees as officials consider a permanent ordinance governing the use of the vehicles. Residents can submit written requests for exemptions.
Anyone found breaching the restrictions could have their e-bike or scooter confiscated, with the vehicle to be returned to a parent or guardian.
The decision follows a crash last week in which two 13-year-old boys were struck by a Ford F-250 while crossing Telegraph Road near Hickory Grove. Both were taken to hospital and were initially reported to be in a critical condition.
Bloomfield Township police said the boys had been travelling together on an electric motorbike. Investigators said the driver remained at the scene and was co-operating with the inquiry.
Officials have stressed that not all electric two-wheelers are legally classed as e-bikes. Some more powerful models, including e-motos, can fall under rules applying to mopeds or motorcycles and may require licensing, registration and insurance.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard has said there is widespread confusion over the different classes of e-bikes, including where they can be ridden, who may operate them and what protective equipment is required.
The moratorium is intended to give Bloomfield Township time to develop clearer local rules while wider concerns over the safety and regulation of electric bikes and scooters continue to be debated in Michigan.
