Sheriffs and medical professionals from across Metro Detroit gathered in Troy on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to warn about serious injuries involving electric bikes, scooters and motos.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said his office has responded to at least 10 serious crashes involving e-bikes or electric motos this year, according to WXYZ's original reporting.

Doctors at Children's Hospital of Michigan also described treating children with broken bones and serious head injuries after crashes.

Bouchard joined representatives from Wayne and Macomb counties in calling attention to the problem. The gathering followed a summer of increased concerns about young riders operating powered vehicles.

A separate ClickOnDetroit report cited Detroit East Medical Control Authority figures showing 33 serious e-bike injuries requiring ambulance service through July 2026.

The agency recorded 21 such injuries during all of 2025.

Oakland County communities take action

Bloomfield Township has already adopted restrictions affecting younger riders.

The township's Board of Trustees approved a six-month moratorium Sept. 14 covering e-bikes and electric scooters operated by people younger than 16 on township-owned property and rights-of-way.

The township's official announcement identifies exceptions for devices permitted under state law and provides a process for requesting exemptions.

The measure followed concerns about accidents involving young riders on sidewalks and safety paths.

Bloomfield Township police are also developing safety education for younger riders.

Other Metro Detroit communities are considering or adopting their own rules. The restrictions vary by municipality and should not be treated as a single countywide ban.

No Troy-specific e-bike ordinance or proposed ordinance was established in the reviewed records.

What Michigan law requires

Michigan distinguishes electric bicycles from higher-powered electric motos, which may be regulated as motor vehicles.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' e-bike guidance, a legal electric bicycle must have working pedals, a seat and a motor rated at no more than 750 watts.

Michigan recognizes three classes of e-bikes:

  • Class 1: Pedal assistance up to 20 mph
  • Class 2: Motor assistance up to 20 mph, including throttle operation
  • Class 3: Pedal assistance up to 28 mph

State law prohibits children younger than 14 from operating Class 3 e-bikes. Riders and passengers younger than 18 must wear helmets on Class 3 e-bikes.

Higher-powered electric motos do not qualify for the same bicycle rules simply because they resemble e-bikes.

Parents should check a vehicle's motor rating, maximum assisted speed and classification before allowing children to operate it.

Bouchard has also discussed additional statewide restrictions with lawmakers, including buyer disclosures and licensing requirements. No enactment of those proposals was established in the reviewed reporting.