For more information about e-bike and e-motorcycle laws, safety resources, and upcoming events, visit meridiancity.org/ebikes or follow the Meridian Police Department on Facebook and Instagram.
As the popularity of e-bikes and e-motorcycles continues to grow, the Meridian Police Department is launching a citywide initiative focused on education, safety, and accountability to help reduce crashes and prevent serious injuries.
The initiative is designed to address growing community concerns surrounding the safe operation of e-bikes and e-motorcycles through a balanced approach that emphasizes proactive education while maintaining accountability for unsafe or illegal behavior.
"Our goal is simple: keep our community safe," said Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea. "By educating riders and parents about the laws and expectations surrounding these vehicles, we hope to prevent crashes, reduce conflicts with pedestrians and motorists, minimize damage to public and private property, and ensure everyone can safely enjoy our parks, pathways, neighborhoods, and roadways."
Education and Public Awareness
Beginning immediately, the Meridian Police Department will launch a comprehensive public education campaign that will continue through the first day of the upcoming school year. The campaign is designed to increase awareness as more community members ride through the summer and to and from school.
Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Idaho's e-bike and e-motorcycle laws and to discuss safe riding practices with their children, including the importance of wearing proper safety equipment, understanding where different types of vehicles may legally operate, and riding responsibly around pedestrians and traffic.
- The education campaign will include:
- Crime Prevention Community Events
- Partnership and Outreach with the West Ada School District
- Safety messaging across Meridian Police Department social media platforms
- Distribution of educational materials and existing safety measure
- The City of Meridian E-Bike Safety Website
- Meridian Police Department Website
- E-Bike and E-Motorcycle safety flyers
- An online E-Bike and E-Motorbike complaint reporting form
- A community meeting where the public can learn more about the initiative, ask questions, and hear directly from department personnel.
Community Meeting – July 15, 2026
The Meridian Police Department invites community members to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m. in the Meridian City Hall Council Chambers.
- The meeting will begin with remarks from Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, Patrol Captain Sopoaga, and Meridian Police Patrol Lieutenants. Department leadership will discuss:
- Why is the department launching this initiative?
- Understanding the differences between e-bicycles and e-motorcycles
- Meridian Police Department's community response plan
- Education and public awareness efforts
- Enforcement strategies and applicable laws
- What does success look like?
During the educational campaign, enforcement efforts will continue under the current approach. Officers will retain discretion to issue a warning, citation or arrest based on the circumstances of the observed violation (s).
Enforcement
Officers will focus enforcement efforts on violations involving the illegal or unsafe operation of e-bikes and e-motorcycles throughout the city. The goal of enforcement is to improve compliance with state and local laws while enhancing safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists alike.
This combined education and enforcement approach reflects the department's commitment to promoting responsible riding habits, reducing preventable collisions, and protecting everyone who uses Meridian's streets, parks, and pathways.
About the author
Jordan Robinson
Public Information Officer