CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Parents in a Georgia county could now find themselves receiving traffic citations if their children are caught riding certain motorized cycles illegally.
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The Chatham County Police Department announced it has started citing parents and, in some cases, the kids themselves after a growing number of complaints about underage riders operating motorized cycles on roads, in neighborhoods and at local parks.
Police Chief Jeff Hadley said officers have spent months trying to educate families about Georgia’s laws surrounding electric bikes, mopeds and other motorized cycles. But despite those efforts, complaints have continued to pour in.
“Like many communities, we have seen a huge increase in the number of young minors illegally operating motorized cycles with no regard for their own safety or traffic laws,” Hadley said in a statement.
According to police, several parents were recently cited after their children were found riding motorized cycles illegally in the Eastside Precinct. Under Georgia law, it is illegal to allow an unlicensed person under 18 to operate a motorized vehicle. The violation is a misdemeanor traffic offense, with penalties determined by the court.
Police say part of the problem is confusion over what qualifies as an e-bike.
Some parents may think they’re buying a legal e-bike for their child. Still, the vehicle may be classified as a motorized vehicle under Georgia law, which requires a driver’s license, registration, and insurance.
In Georgia, only cycles with motors producing less than 750 watts are considered e-bikes. Anything more powerful is treated similarly to a moped or motorcycle and comes with additional legal requirements.
Officers have also cited underage riders for offenses including reckless driving, riding on the wrong side of the road, license violations and registration-related offenses.
Georgia recognizes three classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with motor assistance stopping at 20 miles per hour. No minimum age requirement.
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted or pedal-assisted, with motor assistance stopping at 20 mph. No minimum age requirement.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with motor assistance stopping at 28 mph. Riders must be at least 15 years old, and helmets are required.
Police are encouraging parents to double-check whether their child’s bike is legally classified as an e-bike and to make sure young riders understand traffic laws before taking to the road.
“Parents should park their kid’s e-bikes and motorized cycles until they can confirm that the cycle is in compliance with the law, and that their child can safely and legally operate it,” Hadley said. “The risk of injury or death is too great to be complacent.”
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