Westlake police pull over 12-year-old for riding e-bike

WESTLAKE, Ohio (WOIO) - Dylan Vari was on his way home after hanging out with his friends just a few blocks away at the Westlake Park and Recreation center, when Westlake police flashed their lights and pulled him over.

Vari says the officer asked him about his new electric bicycle. He had only had it for about a month after receiving it as a Christmas gift, and now police officers were letting him know he was too young to ride it.

“I just hope no one else gets scammed with this,” Vari said.

His mother, Katherine Vari, is upset the local shop where they purchased the bike didn’t make it clear that there was an Ohio law against her son using it.

“We were advised that this was the perfect E-bike for Dylan, and it’s clearly not because it’s a Class 3 e-bike,” Katherine said. “He’s only 12, and class 3 e-bikes are ages 16 and plus.”

Dylan did not receive a ticket when he was pulled over by Westlake police, and was instead given a warning about the restriction.

19 News reached out to the local owner, and will update when they send a response.