Newtown Borough Police Report: E-Bikes, July Incidents And Arrests

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — The use of electric bikes continues to be a concern in Newtown Borough, reports Police Chief James Sabath.

During his monthly report to council Wednesday night, the chief said the department continues to receive complaints about the use of E-Bikes on borough streets and sidewalks, although he said fewer calls have been coming into police.

"I think we're starting to stem the tide a little bit," the chief reported. "We've had some good conversations with parents. We've had some good conversations with the kids - the ones who don't flip us off and drive away - as far as the legalities. A lot of times, the parents were misled as to what's legal and what's not legal."

According to the chief, electric bicycles are subject to certain laws. They are not permitted to operate on public roads and sidewalks and operators must be at least 16 years old. Electric bikes with pedals also have an age limit of 16, but are allowed to operate on the roads provided they obey the traffic laws.

Incidents And Arrests

In other incidents and arrests during July, the chief reported that police arrested a 26-year-old woman for stealing cosmetics at the CVS Pharmacy.

Police also arrested a man following a traffic stop on Congress Street after police discovered the driver was wanted in Carbon County for making terroristic threats. He was taken into custody and turned over to Carbon County officials.

The chief also reported several incidents of public intoxication on State Street.