The Nassau County School Board discussed draft policies for permitting electric bicycles and similar motor-assisted devices on school campuses during its agenda-review meeting. The discussion covered training, permitted vehicle types, curb on riding on campus, helmet requirements and district liability language.

Staff said the district had collected sample policies from other districts and from a training provider identified as PedalAce. Mister Durham and other staff noted news reports of recent e-bike accidents, prompting the policy review. A staff member said some schools already treat motorized devices as prohibited from being ridden on campus and require students to walk devices on school grounds.

Board members raised practical concerns: whether gas-powered motorized bikes would fall under the same rule (staff noted state law on engine size and licensing could apply), whether the district should require a training course before allowing on-campus use, and how to address theft and damage. One board member supported a training requirement and suggested PedalAce-style online instruction; another asked staff to include language that repeated violations would cause permit revocation.

Existing drafts already include a liability statement and an enforcement provision. As one staff member read aloud, schools and the district “assume no responsibility for loss, damage, or theft of any ebike or any motor transportation permitted on school grounds.” Drafts also include a revocation clause: "Students violating this policy may have their e-bike permit revoked." Staff said they would prepare a formal draft policy and return it to the board for consideration at the next meeting.

Why it matters: E-bikes are increasingly common at arrival and dismissal times, and board members said speed and student behavior in carlines raised safety concerns. Board members asked for clear, enforceable rules that distinguish between electric-assist bicycles and vehicles requiring state licensing.

Next steps: Staff will circulate a formal draft policy that incorporates the board’s requests on training, permitted devices, helmet use, parking and liability.