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Council and police discuss e-bike and scooter safety after resident complaints
Summary
Council members and police reviewed state rules and local enforcement options after multiple residents raised safety concerns about high-speed electric bikes and scooters being ridden on sidewalks, trails and streets without lights or helmets.
South Lyon council members and the police chief used Monday’s meeting to respond to multiple resident complaints about electric bikes and motorized scooters operating at high speeds, often on sidewalks and trails and sometimes at night without lights or helmets.
Council members described repeated neighborhood reports of youths riding high-speed electric devices on residential streets and trails, sometimes at speeds residents estimated at 30–40 mph. Chief Douglas Bakke (speaking as retiring chief) and Chief Conrad addressed the body: city police treat pedal‑assisted e-bikes according to state classifications and advise that — unless the council specifically authorizes use on city trails — such devices are to be operated in the roadway shoulder or bike lanes. Motorized scooters without seats are treated like skateboards under statute and therefore may be allowed on sidewalks except where skateboarding is prohibited.
Chief Bakke said the department has taken enforcement action in some instances, including warnings and prior enforcement stops, and has advised officers to educate riders and parents. He said devices that are not pedal assisted (what the department described as electric dirt bikes or non-pedal motorized bikes) may exceed e-bike definitions and are treated as motor vehicles under state law. Council members urged increased education for parents and considered stepped-up enforcement, including targeted patrols; Council member Kibble praised directed patrols near Bartlett for improving safety.
A resident in public comment cited Michigan Compiled Laws section 257.33 as relevant to vehicle classifications and encouraged the council to review applicable statutes. Chief Bakke said council could authorize trail access for certain device classes, but that would require a council decision.
Council members and officers discussed equipment requirements (lights, reflectors and helmets) and speed expectations based on the device class. Several council members suggested public education and possible ordinance changes, and asked staff to coordinate with the city attorney to clarify local regulatory options. No formal ordinance or regulatory change was proposed or adopted at the meeting.
