BEND, OR -- It’s been almost a year since a Bend teen was killed when the electric bike he was riding collided with a minivan. With warming weather comes renewed warnings about kids on e-bikes. "We’ve seen an influx of scooters, e-bikes and children using them as a way to get around; obviously very efficient. However, they move very quickly and deceivingly so," says Deschutes County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jason Wall. That speed can surprise drivers who don’t realize how fast an e-bike is approaching their vehicle, "People are not used to seeing individuals on these bikes. They’re silent; they don’t make any noise. A motorcycle at least has an exhaust note or some engine noise that could alert other drivers." He says several factors makes him worry more about e-bike riders, "The fact that they’re so quiet, the fact that they’re not at the forefront of everyone’s mind yet, and the fact that we see a number of motorcycle crashes over the summertime. And those, they result in tragedy; people injured, people killed. So, you factor in the silence of the bike, children utilizing them, it’s a recipe for disaster when they come into contact with a motor vehicle."

Wall says, "As school comes to an end here, there’s going to be a lot more children moving around on our city streets. With the advent of e-bikes and the recent tragedy, here in Bend, we ask that people pay close attention to the bike lanes, close attention to the sidewalks and crosswalks."

But he tells KBND News riders also bear some responsibility, "We ask that the bicycles and the e-bikes and pedestrians obviously be aware of their surroundings, be aware of other motor vehicles on the road. And those that are utilizing the e-bikes or the e-scooters, please utilize protective gear; specifically, a helmet."

Under Oregon law, you must be at least 16 to ride an electric bike or scooter.