A Message on E-Bikes from the Superintendent of Schools

Dear Center Moriches Community,

On behalf of the Center Moriches School District, I am writing to remind our community about the safe and legal use of e-bikes and e-scooters. We have seen a significant increase in their use on and around our campuses.

Suffolk County law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating an e-bike or e-scooter. All riders, regardless of age, are required to wear a helmet. E-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on sidewalks or on roadways with speed limits above 30 miles per hour. Parents and guardians may be held responsible for fines when a minor violates the law, and illegally operated vehicles may be impounded.

In additional to county law, the District's Code of Conduct (Policy 5300) prohibits riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, or any other wheeled device on school property. Anyone with one of these devices must walk it while on school grounds, with any engine or motor turned off. All bicycles, e-bikes, and other wheeled devices must be stored at the designated bicycle rack or area determined by the District.

We ask all parents and guardians to talk with their children about these laws and policies and the dangers of riding e-bikes, especially at high speeds or in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. No student should ever operate an e-bike or e-scooter on school grounds in a way that puts themselves or others at risk.

The safety of our students and community is our top priority, and the District will take whatever steps are necessary to keep our campuses safe for everyone.

For more information about Suffolk County's e-bike and e-scooter laws, please visit the Suffolk County Police Department website or contact the department.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ricardo Soto
Superintendent of Schools