Anne Arundel Police Roll Out E-Bike Education Push After Teen Death

Anne Arundel County police began a rider education campaign Thursday after responding to a rise in high-speed travel on sidewalks, reckless riding on community trails and minors without licenses operating powerful e-motos on public roads. The department named the effort Operation C.A.R.E., short for Community Awareness & Rider Education.

The campaign follows the death of 14-year-old Ryan Beales in a crash on Robinson Road in Severna Park, previously reported by WMAR-2 News. Neighbors raised concerns about e-motos after the crash and called for additional rules and enforcement. Police say some parents buy e-motos believing they are low-speed, pedal-assist bicycles, but certain models reach speeds comparable to dirt bikes and may be legally classified as unregistered motorcycles. Unlicensed minors cannot legally operate high-powered e-motos on public roads, sidewalks, or county parks and trails.

School resource officers will deliver information to middle and high school students. Police officers and Anne Arundel County park rangers will patrol parks and trails to speak with young riders and answer questions. The department also plans to hand information to local retailers so parents understand what they are buying.

The campaign will focus on education and working with families rather than issuing citations, though police say enforcement remains an option, particularly for repeat violations.