PARAMARIBO – “The use of e-bikes by youths is growing rapidly,” said Youth Counsellors Dwight Samuel and Anouskha Plet as they expressed grave concern over the fact that they of-ten see pupils from the primary schools riding their electric bikes to school and also bring their little brothers or sisters to school on their ebikes. “It is cause for concern.
I regularly see children in school uniforms riding an e-bike with two others in the back. If something goes wrong, we could lose three children in an instant. We must not wait around for accidents to happen,” said the youth counsellors who blame the lack of rules for the current situation. Despite many warnings and calls for legislation parliament still has not passed any laws to regulate the use of e-bikes.
Samuel pleads for swift action. “Children who are younger than 15 are not supposed to be riding an e-bike. They lack the experience and skills to make their way through traffic on an e-bike. The silent
e-bike are often detected by other drivers when it is too late,” said Samuel who urged parents not to give an e-bike to their children. “By giving your child an e-bike, you are exposing your child to danger. Do not only think about convenience but also think about safety. No parent wants an accident on his or her conscience.”
Plet wants the same rules that are in place for moped riders to apply to e-bike riders.
“The use of a helmet must be mandatory and e-bike riders must also receive driver's education. The safety of our children must come first,” said Plet who is in favor of setting a minimum age limit for the use of e-bikes.
Justice and Police Minister Kenneth Amoksi had also expressed his concerns regarding the use of e-bikes by children.
Samuel and Plet made it clear that the government must no longer remain on the sidelines but that it must step in to protect the nation’s youths. “If we do not establish rules, we may end up paying the highest price,” said Samuel.
