New Bicycle, E-Bicycle, and Motorized Scooter Policy

Dear Islip Parents, Students, and Staff:

Many of you may have seen our recent social media posts sharing this information from the Suffolk County Police Department regarding e-bicycles and e-scooters. At their public meeting on September 29, 2026, our Board of Education adopted policy #5443 - Student Use of Bicycles, E-Bicycles, and Motorized Scooters.

This new policy outlines guidelines for students who wish to use one of these vehicles for transportation to and from school, in accordance with New York State and Suffolk County laws, and in order to best protect the health and safety of our students while on school grounds. Some important highlights of this new policy include:

• All students must obey all applicable laws when riding a bicycle, e-bicycle, or motorized scooter. This includes:
  • Any bicycle riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet.
  • The use of e-bicycles and motorized scooters is limited by law to individuals 16 years of age or older. Therefore, these vehicles are strictly prohibited on all school campuses, except for Islip High School.
  • High school students meeting the age requirement for e-bicycles must wear a helmet and ensure their vehicle is labeled as meeting the appropriate legal classifications under the law.
• Any student riding a bicycle, e-bicycle, or motorized scooter to school must dismount the vehicle and walk it at all times on school property.
• Bicycles and e-bicycles brought to school should be stored in the provided bicycle racks. The District recommends these be secured with an appropriate lock.
• The District is not responsible for any bicycle or e-bicycle that is damaged or stolen while on school property.
• Recreational use of e-bikes, e-scooters, mini-bikes, and similar vehicles is prohibited in all District parking lots, walking paths, fields, playgrounds, and athletic courts at all times, including outside of school hours.

For the safety of the community, it is important that all students and parents understand and comply with this new policy. We thank you for your cooperation and for communicating these rules to all students.

Sincerely,
Dennis P. O'Hara, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools