Police warn of kids driving recklessly in Davidson on e-powered bikes, scooters

DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Police are concerned about kids under the age of 16 who are speeding and putting lives at risk. These are kids who aren’t old enough to get a driver’s license who are operating electric scooters and bikes at high rates of speed.

John and Judy Reynolds have seen kids get hurt firsthand back home in Tennessee. They recently moved to Davidson.

“When they’re riding down the street, we’ve observed them going three abreast, taking up most of the street. And when why on a hill or a corner, blind to oncoming traffic, it prevents and presents a very dangerous situation,” Judy said. “A neighbor over on Dembridge said they’ve clocked them at 35 miles per hour.”

Before they moved to Davidson a few years ago, they witnessed a bunch of kids pile into a golf cart and get into an accident. One child was killed; another had a serious brain injury.

“It’s just it’s really dangerous,” John said. “It’s just a matter of time.”

Police put out a warning this week to remind residents about the law for electric-assisted vehicles. North Carolina law says anyone under the age of 16 is not allowed to operate an electric-assisted vehicle on public property.

Shawn Gantkowski is the owner of Pedego in Cornelius. He only sells electric bikes.

“If you’re able to buy something at 20 miles an hour and then you’re able to get it home and unlock it to 50-60, that is considered an electric dirt bike and that is for off road use only,” Gantkowski said.

He said a hub drive in the rear wheel and a pedal assist are part of the advantages to get the motor going and help some bike riders get back outside. The problem is that kids are not always getting these types of bikes.

“I don’t know what the answer is because parents are purchasing these and giving them to their kids,” Judy said. “How do you enforce that?”

Gantkowski said if you’re really not sure what kind of bike it is, you could tell by the seat. If you have more of your standard traditional bicycle seat, it’s more likely an e-bike. But if you have a seat that’s longer and takes up more of the frame, it’s likely a dirt bike.

“They’re invincible at this age, right? We don’t think the rules don’t apply to us until something bad obviously happens,” Gantkowski said.

It’s something the Reynolds family hopes does not happen.

“In any sort of collision with a car, they’re probably going to be the ones to injure,” John said.

Ultimately, if a child damages property or gets hurt, the responsibility falls back on the parent.

Davidson Police sent the following information to Queen City News:

• Many of the vehicles the DPD encounters exceed the 750-watt / 20 MPH maximum to be considered an electric-assisted bicycle.
• If the machine does not have pedals, has a motor greater than 750 watts, and/or exceeds 20 MPH, it is considered a moped or motorcycle by North Carolina General Statutes, and the operator must be at least 16 years old and comply with all regulatory requirements.
• During the past year, the DPD has seen growth in the number of complaints related to careless and reckless operation, damage to property, speeding, disobeying traffic controls, and trespassing.
• Helmets are required for anyone under the age of 16 and encouraged for all riders to limit injury.
• It is important to remember that, should the child cause a crash, injury, or property damage, NC law holds parents accountable for their children’s actions if they are knowingly involved in or responsible for the child’s behavior. This includes situations where the parent encourages, aids, or causes the child to engage in actions that could lead to a finding of delinquency, neglect, abuse, or being undisciplined.

Vehicle Type	Motor Limit	Speed Limit	License Required	Registration	Min. Age
E-Bike (Class 1/2)	≤ 750 watts	≤ 20 mph (motor)	No	No	None
Moped	≤ 50cc or equiv.	≤ 30 mph	No	Yes	16+
Motorcycle	> 50cc	> 30 mph	Yes (with M)	Yes	16+