DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. – E-bikes are now banned from all city-owned property in Dearborn Heights following a unanimous city council vote Tuesday night, as leaders cite a growing number of injuries and collisions involving children.
Mayor Mo Baydoun says e-bikes have become a serious public safety concern, with the city receiving an increasing number of calls about collisions involving e-bikes, pedestrians, and vehicles.
“The moral of the story is it’s dangerous. This is extremely, extremely dangerous,” Baydoun said.
The mayor pointed to a troubling pattern of injuries among young riders in just the opening weeks of summer.
“A 9-year-old broke his collarbone, an 11-year-old broke his arm, a 10-year-old broke his leg; these are all incidents in the first couple of weeks of the summer,” Baydoun said.
Council votes unanimously to act
City Council voted Tuesday to ban e-bikes from parks, walking paths, recreation centers, and other city-owned property.
Councilman Hassan Saab says the council is especially concerned about children, many of whom, he says, shouldn’t be riding e-bikes at all.
“State law says 14 years old with a helmet, but you’ve got some kids that are seven, eight years old going 30 mph down a residential street,” Saab said.
Enforcement, fines already underway
Dearborn Heights police are already stepping up enforcement, impounding e-bikes and scooters belonging to underage riders. The city is also rolling out a registration requirement to curb the problem.
“If you have an e-bike, you have to register it for $200 at the police station. If it’s not registered, we will take it away from you and charge you a $400 fine,” Baydoun said.
City leaders hope the steep fees will give parents pause before purchasing e-bikes for their children, and ultimately keep more kids safe.
“I know you want to be that cool parent, awesome parent, but remember a hit on those things is pretty bad,” Saab said.