Dear Families,
In recent weeks, our district has been contacted by local officials who have expressed growing concern about unsafe e-bike and e-scooter use in communities across Suffolk County. Their offices have received multiple reports of both children and adults riding in ways that put themselves and others at risk. Although Mount Sinai has not experienced a recent incident, serious injuries have occurred elsewhere in the county, which serves as an important reminder for all of us.

The official who reached out to us shared that riders have been observed weaving through traffic, traveling against the flow of cars, and performing unsafe maneuvers on major roads such as 25A. Their goal is to ensure that families understand the laws before enforcement efforts increase. I appreciate their desire to raise awareness, and I want to share the same information with our community.

The Suffolk County Police Department recently issued updated guidance regarding e-bike and e-scooter operation. We are including their notice so families can review the laws and expectations together at home.

In addition to the county guidance, please note that our Board of Education policy already prohibits go carts, motorbikes, minibikes, motorcycles, and other unlicensed motor vehicles on school property. As a result, e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted on school grounds at any time, including outside the school day and on weekends.

The Suffolk County Police Department reminds families of the following key laws for e-bike and e-scooter use in the community:

• Riders must be at least sixteen years old and must wear a helmet.
• These devices may not be used on sidewalks or on roadways with speed limits above thirty miles per hour.
• Operators must follow all traffic controls, including stop signs and red lights.
• Reckless riding, such as zig zagging, performing tricks, or weaving through traffic, is prohibited.
• Riders may not carry passengers or any item that blocks vision or reduces control.
• E-bikes capable of exceeding twenty-eight miles per hour are considered motorcycles under New York State law and must follow all motorcycle regulations.

Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of all students. Although we cannot control how these devices are used once students leave school grounds, we can continue to educate and partner with families to promote safer choices. We encourage you to speak with your child about these expectations and review the SCPD information provided.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s school.

Sincerely,
Dr. Criscione