Council tasks staff to study scooter rules after state definitions highlighted

Council members discussed inconsistencies in Holdridge’s current scooter ordinance and directed staff to study possible regulatory approaches. A council member said the existing local ordinance bans scooters on streets but “doesn’t do a very good job of defining what a scooter is,” and noted that a 2023 state law provides three classes of scooters defined by horsepower and speed. Council members referenced ordinance language used in other Nebraska cities (Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha) as possible models. The council asked staff to meet with the police chief and city attorney (Chris), develop sensible local definitions and consider whether to treat some scooters like bicycles. No formal ordinance was introduced or adopted at the meeting; the exchange concluded with a direction to staff to draft proposed language for future council consideration. The recorded discussion did not include proposed enforcement mechanisms, fine schedules, or a timetable for bringing draft ordinance language back to the council. Council members expressed concern about nighttime scooter use and safety in traffic, and emphasized the need to “get ahead” of the issue rather than waiting for other jurisdictions to act.