HASTINGS, Neb. — Hastings city leaders discussed possible rules for electric scooters, motorized bicycles and single‑wheel devices at a work session, and asked staff to convert council feedback into a draft ordinance for future consideration.

Council members and city staff said the devices are increasingly common in town and raise safety concerns, especially where small riders mix with traffic. The council’s update focused on speed limits, where the devices may be allowed, helmet use and the practicality of enforcement.

Jesse, a city staff member, told the council, “we are working, though, to take some of the feedback the council provided last time and get that in an ordinance and present to, council at a later date.” That draft will be returned to the council for discussion before public outreach is launched.

Why it matters: council members said the devices are proliferating locally and are already creating potentially hazardous encounters on arterial streets, snow routes and in school zones. The city does not yet have a consolidated, enforceable local rule for the new device category; council members pressed for clarity about where fast, motorized devices would be allowed and how officers would enforce new rules.

Details from the work session

- Safety and routes: Several council members said their primary concern is the devices operating on main roads and routes posted at speeds above about 25 mph. One council member said he followed a motorized bicycle for a mile and a half on a city street and described it as traveling faster than was safe given the rider’s lack of visibility and knowledge of traffic rules.

- Enforcement and classification: Staff and council discussed treating faster motorized devices more like motor vehicles or mopeds — setting speed or equipment limits and specifying permitted routes — while leaving lower‑speed bicycles under existing bicycle code. Council members emphasized the practical question of how officers could enforce any new rule.

- Education and outreach: Councilmembers proposed an education program in schools. A council member said police would be encouraged to enter schools to teach a basic “rules of the road” course and to promote helmet use among children who may be riding devices that can reach 25–30 mph.

- Helmets, liability and insurance: Speakers raised helmet requirements and insurance questions, including the practicality of enforcing a helmet mandate given recent state changes and whether unlicensed or underage riders on fast devices create uninsured crash risk for motorists.

- Next steps: Staff will draft an ordinance reflecting council feedback, check applicable state statutes, and then return to the council. The mayor noted police Chief Story is collaborating with other cities and the department to research enforcement and best practices.

Discussion vs. action: the item was discussion only. No ordinance was introduced or adopted at the meeting; staff were directed to draft language and plan citizen engagement and police outreach.

What’s next: the council expects to review a proposed ordinance at a later meeting after staff research and community input.