Barrington Police charged a 14-year-old Warren boy after the electric bike he was riding collided with a car on County Road.

Police said two 14-year-old Warren boys were riding their electric dirt bikes down the East Bay Bike Path at about 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, when they approached the intersection with County Road. 

Police said a witness saw the boys attempt to cross County Road when motorists had the green light. A vehicle driven by a 90-year-old woman from Swansea, Mass. collided with one of the e-bikes, police said. EMTs transported the boy to a hospital for minor injuries. 

“A witness said she clearly had the green light,” said Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia. 

Police charged the 14-year-old boy involved in the crash with illegal operation of motor cycle, motor scooter, mini bike or go-cart. Police also charged both 14-year-olds with registration of motorcycles, motorized bicycles and motorized tricycles.

Barrington Police have taken a measured enforcement effort focused on electric bikes since last summer. The department has warned residents that anyone under the age of 16 cannot operate an electric motorized bicycle, electric bicycle, or an e-bike, regardless of class. 

In an earlier interview, Chief Correia said that cases involving crashes, unruly violators or uncooperative individuals could potentially yield a citation regardless of whether it is a first offense. 

“Let’s not confuse these with pedal-assist (bikes),” Chief Correia said. “These are electric dirt bikes capable of driving over 30 miles per hour.”

Chief Correia said the enforcement effort with illegal e-bike operation has been working in Barrington. He said complaints are down. 

“I think the word is out,” he added.