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Oakland County Schools Restrict E-Bikes After Severe E‑Moto Crash

Calls for statewide rules grow as officials seek clearer device classifications, licensing, helmet requirements to curb rising serious injuries

Overview

  • The e-moto crash that left two 13-year-olds in critical condition occurred Monday in Bloomfield Township when an F-250 struck them as they crossed Telegraph Road.
  • Rochester Community Schools has ordered students to walk e-bikes and e-scooters on campus and says roughly 10 to 15 percent of its students currently use the devices.
  • Law enforcement and township leaders say Michigan has no uniform statewide rules, creating confusion over where and how different electric two-wheel vehicles may be ridden or enforced.
  • Officials and safety advisers describe the technical split between devices: e-bikes normally have pedals, use under 750 watts and top out below about 28 mph, while e-motos lack operable pedals, run above 750 watts and can exceed 28 mph which may trigger moped or motorcycle rules.
  • Local officials are issuing guidance, talking about moratoriums and pointing to Illinois’s new micromobility law as an example lawmakers could follow if Michigan adopts licensing, registration or class-based safety standards.