East Grand Rapids begins policy review on e-bikes, scooters amid safety concerns; staff targets early 2026 for regulations

East Grand Rapids city staff described a preliminary, cross-department effort to address faster-growing use of electric bikes and scooters, particularly among school-age riders, and outlined next steps for policy, enforcement and infrastructure.

City Manager Charles (presenting) told the commission staff has identified four target areas: infrastructure, education, enforcement and ordinance updates. Staff reported three collisions involving electric devices since the start of the school year; two of those incidents involved 12-year-old riders and one involved a 13-year-old. Charles also referenced a serious one-wheel crash last summer as an example of the risks the city is tracking.

Staff said existing city ordinances treat only bicycles; some municipalities have adopted broader "micro-mobility" rules that define device classes, helmet use, sidewalk prohibitions and speeds. Grand Rapids's 2024 approach was cited as an example; the Grand Valley Metro Council is drafting model pedestrian-crossing language that would change some crossings from a "yield" to a "stop" requirement and staff said that change is targeted for November implementation in coordination with neighboring jurisdictions.

Deputy City Manager (Legefel/LeFebvre) and other staff noted the city's constrained public-right-of-way and tree canopy limit how much physical space can be added for dedicated lanes; traffic-calming and the city's ongoing mobility projects (bike lanes, Robinson Cascade Pathway and Safe Routes to School planning) are part of the long-term solution set.

Public commenters and advocates urged early education and school partnerships. Tanya Veil Oliveira, a community transportation planner and member of the Walk, Ride, Roll group, praised recent protected-bike-lane projects and urged the city to pair education efforts with infrastructure. "Safety is pretty hard to argue against, and yet it's so important and imperative," she told the commission. Others asked that enforcement be paired with incentives'for example, offering rewards for helmet use'and that the city involve school administrators and parents.

Commissioners proposed a cross-functional work session that would bring commissioners, city staff, school officials and resident advocates together to build a coordinated approach. City staff agreed that a focused work session with community stakeholders would be useful and said they expect to draft ordinances and regulatory options during winter, with the goal of presenting regulatory options and an education plan in early 2026 timed for spring riding season.

Ending: Staff will continue internal work and community engagement and return with ordinance language, education materials and an implementation schedule for commission consideration. Commissioners signaled interest in forming an ongoing citizen advisory group to guide outreach and follow-up.