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Council hears safety reminders on golf carts, side-by-sides and electric scooters
Summary
Staff gave a detailed overview of local requirements and recommended practices for golf carts, side-by-sides and scooters, including inspection fees, flag and seat-belt requirements, and a reminder that side-by-sides must carry a DNR sticker under state rules.
Cascade City staff on May 27, 2025, briefed the City Council on safety rules and enforcement practices for golf carts, side-by-sides, ATVs and electric scooters after repeated observations of unsafe use.
A staff member, Fred, told the council the city conducts golf cart inspections and charges a two-year license fee; "We're in the second year now, so the golf cart inspections we're doing now, they're paying for 1 year. So it's a $10 fee." He described inspection and equipment expectations: "We recommend flags 5 feet from the ground, but we'd like to see it over the roof so it's easier to see. Slow moving vehicle sign. They have to have rear side view mirrors, seat belts for each passenger." Fred noted that a small golf cart that only has seat belts for a driver and a passenger can legally carry only those two people and recommended using child safety seats in golf carts where appropriate.
Fred also said side-by-side vehicles are subject to a state requirement for a Department of Natural Resources sticker and that the vehicles are expected to run with headlights on during the day. He told the council he believed the slow-moving-vehicle-sign requirement would take effect by July 1. A councilmember suggested the city post reminders on its social channels to inform residents of the rules.
The council did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting; the exchange was a staff briefing and a request that staff increase reminders and enforcement where needed.
