EXCELSIOR, Minn. (FOX 9) – The cities of Excelsior and Greenwood are addressing safety concerns related to e-bike use among youth, saying a new helmet requirement has improved the problem.

Last summer, Fox 9 reported on an increase in e-bike traffic in downtown Excelsior and reports of teenagers riding too fast, not wearing helmets and ignoring traffic laws.

“We had to do something about it immediately,” said South Lakes Police Chief Brian Tholen.

Because there are very few regulations on e-bikes nationwide, Tholen partnered with city leaders to address those concerns and drafted a new ordinance requiring e-bike users to wear helmets. By requiring helmets, his officers would have more authority to stop riders and address various safety concerns, he said.

The regulation came into force in June and Tholen said they have already noticed a difference, but there is still a long way to go.

“The kids started talking, and we saw an increase in helmet use and compliance with the law,” he said. “It’s better than last year, but we’re not there yet.”

Tholen said that while state law requires a minimum age of 15 for e-bike riders, last summer more than half of the children stopped for reckless behavior were under 15.

“We have called the parents and taken away their bicycles, but sometimes the parents are not informed either,” said Tholen.

“It’s about safety, not about not riding e-bikes,” said Greenwood Mayor Tom Fletcher. “Someone is going to get hurt. That’s the biggest concern.”

Neighboring communities Shorewood and Tonka Bay are currently considering similar ordinances, and Tholen hopes state lawmakers will follow suit.