City enforces ‘human power only’ rule for e‑bikes on island path, channel and Rotary Park; signs and school outreach planned

Lake Havasu City officials said on March 7 that the city’s ordinance restricting e‑bike operation in high‑use pedestrian areas — Rotary Park, the channel under the bridge and the island pedestrian path — requires e‑bikes to be ridden under human power (pedal assist only).

Mayor Cal Sheehy said the ordinance, adopted in December, responds to public safety complaints and divided public sentiment. Under the city’s rule, pedal‑assist e‑bikes are permitted when the rider is pedaling; throttle‑only operation is not allowed in the restricted areas and, if necessary, riders may be asked to dismount and push heavy e‑bikes.

"So that's human power. That works. If you have a throttle and you're only using the throttle, does not work to be under human power," Sheehy said at the briefing.

Police have been conducting safety education in schools and Chief Sterling’s staff visited nearly every local school to discuss road and path safety, helmet use and lights. The city plans to install signs in the affected areas in the next week or two that will read, in effect, "Human power only — yield to pedestrians — share the path," officials said.

Officials cautioned that speed limits were difficult to standardize across uses and that the city is balancing access for older riders and reacreational users with pedestrian safety. Sheehy gave the example of an 89‑year‑old resident who relies on a recumbent pedal‑assist bike for exercise and socialization; the ordinance is intended to allow such riders to continue using the path while reducing risks from faster throttle‑only devices.