WILMINGOTN, MA — Wilmington Police Chief Brian Pupa, Traffic Safety Officer Michael DiLorenzo, and Sergeant Dan Furbush recently appeared in front of the Select Board for a wide-ranging 30-minute discussion on concerns around eBike safety in town.
“When [Middle School] gets out each day, a huge gaggle of kids on ebikes leave all at once and go to Yentile Park or the Plaza. They cause chaos at either spot,” explained Sgt. Furbush. “At Yentile, they’re driving through the sidewalks, disturbing the families with kids on swing sets, and driving on the fields. Down at the Plaza area, they’re riding on sidewalks, zig zagging in and out of traffic, and disturbing the customers. Many are hanging out at Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Cumberland Farms. Businesses are trying to talk to the children, and the response is typically swearing and middle fingers…. When we respond, sometimes the kids listen to us, other times they take off…. We try not to pursue. Our goal is safety.”
“We’re looking for a little more accountability and responsibility from the parents,” Furbush explained. “Some parents are really good when we call them. They deal with the situation. Others aren’t. I think it’s really important that we work as a team — with the community. We do need help from the residents on education, and a little more supervision of their children when they’re out and about. These kids group up with 20-30 other kids and they’re riding down the middle of Main Street. This kind of behavior we’re not going to accept.”
“We need the cooperation of their parents,” Chief Pupa echoed. “They think they’re helping their children by purchasing these e-bikes. Some of the ages we’re seeing — the children are not capable of understanding the rules of the road. We do not want to see anyone get hurt.”
Pupa also added that there is “no place” for e-bikes down at the Town Common during the Fun on the Fourth celebration this week.
Officer DiLorenzo started the conversation by discussing the state laws around ebikes.
“The laws are behind the technology the bikes have. Enforcement has been a bit challenging,” began DiLorenzo. He noted the legal definition of eBikes states they must have functional pedals and engine power that cannot exceed 20 MPH, but teens are often modifying the bikes by taking off the pedals and installing more powerful engines (750+ watts), or families are purchasing bikes online from overseas which do not meet Massachusetts safety standards.
“I had an ebike going 52 MPH on radar on Burlington Avenue/Route 62,” DiLorenzo recalled. “They had zero disregard for traffic laws or pedestrian safety…. I had three calls for ebikes last Friday alone. It’s getting worse and worse…. The bikes are supposed to have functional pedals. 90% of the ones we’re seeing on the road don’t.”
“Ebikes are supposed to adhere to all the laws that govern regular bicycles,” explained DiLorenzo. “At night, they’re supposed to have reflectors and headlights. Regarding moving violations, they have to stop at red lights…. The fines for these violations are $20 per offense. Helmet violations are also able to be written, however, Massachusetts doesn’t allow us to issue a fine. They would prefer the person use the funds to purchase a helmet.”
“Ebikes are able to operate in bike lanes and travel lanes. They’re not allowed to operate on sidewalks,” continued DiLorenzo. “It’s a double-edged sword. Do we want 12-year-olds riding 20 MPH bicycles in travel lanes or do we want them on the sidewalk? Internally, we’re trying to figure out what the best course of action is, working with the School Resource Officers.”
“The law does allow us to impound bicycles and ebikes, with permission of the shift supervisor. The bike rider must be under 18. The bikes can be impounded for up to 15 days,” said DiLorenzo. “Instead, we’d prefer to have a parent come down and have a conversation, and advise them of the law.”
Because of the frequency of calls involving ebikes, the Police Department just started to track the incidents internally. Since the beginning of 2026, which included three wintry months, WPD has responded to 39 calls for service related to bikes and ebikes, from erratic operation to property damage. There have been 6 motor vehicle crashes involving bikes so far this year. There is a fear these numbers will jump significantly during the summer months when school is out of session.
“I see death,” warned Select Board member Gary DePalma, who expressed deep concern about Wilmington juveniles dying in ebike crashes. “Parents have to be more responsible. If we’re going to let these children ride these things, we’re going to have to have accountability from parents.”
When asked by Select Board member Jake Gearwar if there was anything the Select Board could do at the local level to help address the issue, Chief Pupa stated the town might want to consider amending its bylaws to strengthen the impoundment rules around repeat offenders.
When asked by Select Board member Lil Maselli about an age limit, Officer DiLorenzo stated there is no age restrictions in state law around ebikes, other than those 16 or under have to wear a helmet.
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 