Wilmington Police offer free e-bike safety course for teens

The Wilmington Police Department announced Oct. 29 a partnership with Teen Rider Academy, an online safety education program for teens who ride e-bikes and e-scooters.

Teen Rider Academy was created by Laura St. Martin, a Massachusetts educator with more than 25 years of experience working with children and teens. The program was developed in response to a growing need for safety education surrounding e-bikes and e-scooters, after St. Martin recognized a gap in rider education when her own child asked for a new way to get around.

The course consists of seven parts and can typically be completed in one hour or less. Wilmington Police has purchased a community membership, allowing residents to complete the course free of charge.

While the program is designed for teens and e-bike riders, Wilmington Police is encouraging parents and caregivers to take the course as well, particularly before purchasing an e-bike or e-scooter for their child.

Residents can obtain a community access code by calling Wilmington Police at 978-658-5071 or emailing TeenRider@wpd.org. That email address can also be used to submit questions about the program, though the town noted it is not monitored 24/7 and responses may not be immediate.

"Safe riding starts with education," Chief Brian Pupa said in a statement. "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 also shared e-bike and e-scooter safety tips from the Consumer Products Safety Commission, including following local traffic laws, wearing a helmet, using lights and reflectors to be visible, avoiding abrupt movements, and never riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Source: Town of Wilmington announcement, October 29, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.