Lake Havasu sergeant: E-bikes allowed in city parks if human-powered; riders must obey traffic laws

Sergeant Jerry Burns said e-bikes are permitted in Lake Havasu City parks as long as riders use only human power and do not engage the throttle, and he urged riders and parents to obey traffic signals and stop signs following a recent fatality. "They actually are as long as they are only human powered," Burns said, adding riders should not "use the power on the throttle and just flying by people here in the park."

The clarification addresses recent questions about whether e-bikes are allowed in city parks. Burns emphasized basic road rules as life-saving measures after referencing "the recent tragedy where the young man lost his life by going against the traffic signal." He told viewers, "Please, please make sure that you obey the rules of the road," and asked parents to have "the heart to heart" conversations with young people who ride e-bikes or bicycles.

Burns advised riders to stay on the right side of the roadway, travel in the proper direction and obey stop signs and traffic signals. He also cautioned riders to pay attention to surroundings and avoid riding in ways that could endanger pedestrians. The message was delivered as part of the department's traffic safety tips series.

No formal policy change or ordinance was announced during the recorded message; Burns presented the guidance as clarification and safety advice. The fatality Burns referenced was mentioned without name, date, or other details in the clip.