Police cracking down on illegal e-bike, dirt bike use: 'Tragedy that's waiting to happen'

WARWICK TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- Warwick Township's police chief says complaints about the illegal use of e-bikes and dirt bikes on both public and private property are increasing locally and across the state, prompting new warnings for children and their parents.

"There's a tragedy that's waiting to happen," Chief Jon Ogborn said.

Police said they are working to stop juveniles from illegally riding electric bikes and dirt bikes before the situation worsens.

Ogborn said riders have been seen "doing wheelies" and "weaving in and out of traffic," adding they've witnessed children under 10-years-old riding e-bikes and one juvenile even reached 60 mph.

One video shared with police shows a juvenile crashing into a child getting off a school bus, injuring the child. The rider was later charged, Ogborn said.

In another case, a minor riding on Meyer Way in Jamison was struck by a car after failing to follow traffic laws.

Lt. Aaron Richwine said, "The injuries would have been worse if the juvenile was not wearing a helmet at the time."

Residents have also reported close calls.

Nicholas Guryenkov shared a video of a 15-year-old who crashed into a parked truck outside his home on Deer Run Drive.

He said, "They cut in front of me and started doing wheelies. I had to slam on my brakes to avoid them."

Ogborn noted that Pennsylvania law prohibits dirt bikes on roadways unless they are made street-legal. E-bike riders must be at least 16, and the bikes must weigh under 100 pounds, have operable pedals, and be limited to 20 mph. He also emphasized parental responsibility.

"The parents are actually responsible as well," he said. "So you, as a parent, buy and allow your child to operate an e-bike illegally, you're held accountable as well."

Julie Rider of Jamison said she chose to sell her son's e-bike and dirt bike.

"We placed safety rules around riding that bike, including wearing a helmet, and he refused to do that, and it became clear the risk was being increased every day," she said.

Rider added, "Getting the word out could only help in this situation."

Guryenkov said he hopes the community takes the issue seriously.

"I just really hope people understand the dangers behind them and keep the community safer," he said.

Ogborn said officers will continue educating families about e-bike laws and enforcing violations. Police said both juveniles and parents may be ticketed or charged depending on the offense.