PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Some city councilors want to explore ways to encourage safe e-bike use. 

The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee earlier this month discussed the request by Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn to increase enforcement of bicycle and e-bike use on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids. 

Amuso has gotten reports of kids going 15 to 20 miles per hour on the sidewalk with motorized bikes while people are trying to back out of their driveways, and fears someone might get hurt.  

She said if they could start with some of the basics such as riding with traffic in bike lanes and operators under 16 wearing helmets, it would address most of the calls. 

"Do I think we need to put ten police on trying to find e-bikes throughout the city? I don't. But there are enough calls that I'm getting, and other councilors are getting, that we have to say, ‘Okay, what can we do?' And we have a lot of bike lanes in Pittsfield, and the e-bikes and all bikes should be in the bike lanes, not on the sidewalk,” she said. 

The petition was tabled so that the Department of Public Works can study it and gather further information.  

In Massachusetts, an e-bike with a top speed of 20 miles per hour and a motor of 750 watts or less is classified as a traditional bicycle. State law defines two e-bike classes: 

A Class 1 electric bicycle is defined as having a motor of 750 watts or less that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.