Wilmington Police Department Partners with Teen Rider Academy to Promote E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police Department is partnering with Teen Rider Academy, an online safety education program designed to help teens ride e-bikes and e-scooters legally, safely, and responsibly.

Created by Laura St. Martin, a Massachusetts educator with more than 25 years of experience working with children and teens, Teen Rider Academy was developed in response to a growing need for safety education surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters. St. Martin, like many parents across the country, recognized that when her child asked for a new way to get around, there was an important gap in rider education that needed to be addressed.

Teen Rider Academy is a seven-part online course that can typically be completed in one hour or less. To make this valuable safety resource accessible to the community, Wilmington Police has purchased a community membership, allowing Wilmington residents to complete the course free of charge.

While the program is designed for teens and e-bike riders, Wilimington Police strongly encourages parents and caregivers to take the course as well, particularly before purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter for their child. A better understanding of safe riding practices can help families make informed decisions and promote safer riding.

To access Teen Rider Academy, click here, and obtain your community access code call Wilmington Police at 978-658-5071, or email TeenRider@wpd.org. Residents may also use this email address to submit questions about the program.

Please note that the Teen Rider email account is not monitored 24/7 and a response may not be immediate. 

“Safe riding starts with education,” said Chief Brian Pupa. “The Wilmington Police Department encourages families to take advantage of this free educational opportunity as we work together to promote safe, responsible riding and protect our community.”

Wilmington Police would also like to share the following E-bike and E-scooter safety tips from the Consumer Products Safety Commission: 

• Follow local traffic laws.
• Obey posted speed limits, traffic signals, and rules of the road.
• Use bike lanes or designated riding areas where required.
• Always wear a bicycle helmet when riding to protect your head.
• See and be seen. Most deaths involve motor vehicles. Many micromobility devices are small, quick, and quiet, making it difficult for others to spot you, especially in parking lots, garages and other enclosed structures.  
• Expect vehicle drivers and pedestrians not to see you. Slow down and stay aware of your surroundings.  
• Use reflectors, headlamps, a bell or horn, and other visibility accessories to alert others.  
• Do not make abrupt, unpredictable movements.  
• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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