City leaders opened a preliminary discussion on regulating motorized scooters and high‑speed electric bicycles, citing repeated public complaints about riders failing to stop at signs and endangering pedestrians and motorists. Mayor Daniel D. Sutton said the vehicles “are really, pretty much unregulated currently” and described several close calls on Main Street sidewalks.
Cole, a city staff member, explained that the main public concern is safety and urged the council to consider whether to ask staff to draft an ordinance. Chief Zach (chief of police) told the council that his office would have to enforce any ordinance the council adopts: “If you guys would pass an ordinance, my office has to enforce.” He noted that current city and state definitions of “bicycle” describe vehicles propelled solely by human power, which excludes many e‑bikes and limits available enforcement tools.
Council members discussed several options, including using a youth‑focused requirement similar to Madison’s rule—helmet and eye protection for riders under 18 who exceed a set speed—and changing the local ordinance definition of bicycle to encompass electric assist devices. Councilors also discussed education, youth training through the school resource officer, and practical enforcement limits when devices lack speedometers. No ordinance was drafted or adopted; the council directed staff to return with recommendations.