Olivet council broadens rules for e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric devices; ordinance adopted

The City of Olivet on Aug. 12 adopted an ordinance that updates park and street rules for electric bicycles, scooters, skateboards and other ‘‘micro-mobility’’ devices, adding definitions and new operational rules and prohibitions. The council voted unanimously to approve Bill 30‑48, which becomes Ordinance 28‑19.

City officials said the update responds to technology and use changes since the code was last revised in 2008. Police Chief Beth Andreski told the council the rewrite adds definitions for ‘‘electronic devices, including e-bicycles’’ and aims to focus regulation on behaviors and places rather than only age limits. ‘‘The last time the ordinance was updated was in 02/2008,’’ Andreski said, adding departments worked together on the language.

Parks and Recreation Director Beverly Tucker Knight described where wheeled devices will and will not be allowed in parks. ‘‘We are prohibiting bicycles of any type, any wheeled vehicle, and any of our unpaved trails,’’ she said, naming the Sassafras Trail at Whorsen Park and the Cottonwood Trail at Stacy as examples. On paved park trails and sidewalks the ordinance allows classes of electric devices so long as operators remain within a 15 mph speed limit, yield to pedestrians and obey city laws.

The ordinance incorporates parental-responsibility provisions for juvenile operators and extends an existing helmet requirement to electric devices. Council and staff emphasized enforcement will be complaint-driven and rely on officer discretion for ‘‘reckless’’ operation; Tucker Knight said public education will be a primary tool. ‘‘Public education is our best tool in this,’’ she said, describing planned signage, newsletter and school outreach.

Staff said the council will install speed-limit-style signs and ‘‘no-bike’’ medallions on hiking trails; they expect the signs along the Greenway and parks to be in place by Thanksgiving. The ordinance also references Missouri state law for Class 3 e-bicycles, which the presenters said requires operators to be at least 16 years old.

During discussion council members praised the clarifications and the departments’ outreach to community stakeholders, including a resident, Don Dixon, who provided user and retail perspectives during the drafting process. After discussion the council moved and approved the ordinance on second reading; the clerk recorded five yes votes and no opposition. The council did not add further amendments.

Less critical details: the ordinance revises chapters 2.40 (parks code) and 3.75 (alternative vehicles) of the municipal code and adds definitions for electric micro-mobility transportation devices (MTDs) and clarifies where helmets and parental oversight apply. Staff said signage, web resources and printed materials will follow to support compliance.