Winooski officials address student e-bike and e-moto safety

School officials and police in Winooski, Vermont, are addressing safety and legality concerns regarding electric vehicles used by students. The Winooski School District is working to educate families on the distinctions between Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, Class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos.

According to School Safety Coordinator Craig Dwyer, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are legal for students under 16 with a 20 mph limit, while Class 3 bikes can reach nearly 30 mph and are restricted to those over 16. E-motos are illegal for minors under 16 and require a motorcycle license for riders using models with 1,000 watts or more.

The district has clarified that while legal vehicles are permitted on campus if properly parked, they are strictly prohibited from being charged or stored inside school buildings. Winooski Police Lieutenant Tom Cardin noted an increase in minors riding e-motos over the summer, stating the department's current focus is on community education rather than immediate enforcement.