With the rising popularity of electric bicycles, scooters, golf carts (often called electric micromobility vehicles), and e-motos on neighborhood streets and in parks, the Anne Arundel County Police Department has launched Operation C.A.R.E. (Community Awareness & Rider Education). The campaign is aimed directly at parents and families to prevent accidents and clarify traffic laws before injuries occur.
Across Anne Arundel County, community members and officers have reported a sharp increase in high-speed riding of these electric micromobility vehicles on pedestrian sidewalks, reckless use on community trails, and unlicensed minors driving powerful, unregistered e-motos on roadways without protective gear. Because traditional traffic stops can inadvertently create dangerous situations for young riders, Operation C.A.R.E. prioritizes education and family partnerships over citations.
A primary goal of the initiative is educating families before they purchase these electric micromobility vehicles. Many parents buy popular e-motos assuming they are low-speed, pedal-assist bicycles. In reality, many models reach speeds comparable to traditional dirt bikes and are legally classified as unregistered motorcycles. Under Maryland law, unlicensed minors cannot legally or safely operate these high-powered e-motos on public roadways, sidewalks, or county parks and trails.
"The safety of our neighborhoods and roadways rests with our entire community, and education is our most powerful tool to help promote the safe operation of these electric micromobility vehicles. This issue is not exclusive to Anne Arundel County. It is a national issue that must be addressed not only with families and riders, but also with elected officials, manufacturers, retailers, and other stakeholders. While enforcement remains an option for our officers, particularly with repeat violators, the path toward achieving long-term compliance begins at home through open dialogue and parental guidance,” said Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal E. Awad.
Throughout the remainder of the year, county residents will notice several key outreach efforts:
- School Outreach: School Resource Officers (SROs) are sharing clear guidelines and educational pamphlets with middle and high school students.
- Park & Neighborhood Engagement:Patrol officers and Anne Arundel County Park Rangers are conducting high-visibility foot patrols in local parks and trails to build positive rapport with young riders and answer questions outside of an enforcement setting.
- Point-of-Sale Education: Informational flyers are being distributed to local retailers, so parents have accurate legal specifications before buying.
Safety starts at home! Below is a quick checklist of what parents need to know to provide proactive protection for riders:
- Check the Specs: Verify the wattage, top speed, and classification of any vehicle your child rides. High-powered e-motos without pedals or VIN registration cannot be operated on public streets, sidewalks, or trails.
- Inspect Safety Gear: Ensure your child wears a properly fitted helmet and eye protection every time they ride.
- Establish Riding Boundaries: Set clear rules for where children may ride, emphasizing trail courtesy and pedestrian right-of-way.
For questions regarding Maryland e-bike classifications, local trail rules, or educational materials, please contact the Media Relations Division at mrd@aacounty.org.
