Important Safety Update: Student eBike Use

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are writing to inform you about an increase in students riding electric bicycles (e-bikes) to and from CMS campuses and to clarify expectations in alignment with New Mexico law and campus safety procedures.

Student safety remains our top priority. To ensure a safe environment for all, the following guidelines will be enforced:

• Helmet Requirement: All students riding e-bikes are required to wear a properly fitted helmet at all times while riding.
• On-Campus Expectations: Students must dismount and walk their e-bikes once they arrive on school grounds and while exiting campus at dismissal.
• Parking Lot Safety: We have observed students riding e-bikes in and out of moving vehicles in the parking lot. This behavior is unsafe and will not be permitted. Students must walk their e-bikes around all parking areas.

Additionally, New Mexico law identifies three classifications of e-bikes:

• Class 1 E-Bike: Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance at 20 mph.
• Class 2 E-Bike: Equipped with a motor that can propel the bike without pedaling (throttle-assisted), with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
• Class 3 E-Bike: Equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when pedaling and ceases assistance at 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16 years old and are required to wear a helmet.

In addition, we would like to make families aware of the following New Mexico statutes and local ordinances:

• NM Statute 66-3-708: Each e-bike must have a manufacturer label or sticker that identifies its classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage.
• NM Statute 32A-24-3: Requires all minors to wear a helmet while operating or riding a bicycle, including e-bikes.
• City Ordinances:Students must also follow local ordinances related to:
  • Riding on the street and obeying all traffic laws
  • Obeying traffic lights and signals
  • Properly entering and exiting alleyways
  • Riding on sidewalks safely and yielding to pedestrians

While state law outlines specific requirements, our campus requires all students, regardless of e-bike class, to wear a helmet and follow all safety expectations listed above.
We ask that you review these expectations with your child to help reinforce safe practices. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in disciplinary action to ensure the safety of all students and staff.  We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and orderly campus.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school main office or SRO.
Thank you