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Flat Rock council to get police presentation on e-bikes, scooters after rising complaints
Summary
Council members said complaints about e‑bikes, e‑scooters and motorized skateboards have increased; staff and police plan a presentation at the next meeting to outline enforcement and education options and how state law applies.
Council members and city staff told Flat Rock City Council they are preparing a police presentation on electric bicycles, scooters and other motorized personal transportation devices after several resident complaints.
Councilman Roble raised public-safety concerns about high-speed e-bikes and motorized scooters traveling on sidewalks and park pathways. Administrator Messiniak said he has been coordinating with Sergeant Mullins and Chief Mckinchak of the Flat Rock Police Department and that a presentation — likely at the next council meeting in two weeks — will review enforcement options and what other communities are doing.
City Attorney Zick told the council that under state law e-bikes are treated largely like pedal bicycles and are grouped into three classes; the law allows certain e-bikes on sidewalks under conditions but requires operators to yield to pedestrians. Zick noted Class 3 bikes can be capable of 20 miles per hour and that some devices exceed that speed or have been modified. He and police staff said the initial emphasis will be on education and targeted enforcement.
Library director Michael Cummings and other department staff reported receiving citizen complaints about high-speed devices traveling through parks and along pathways that library patrons use. Council members asked staff to return with a fuller presentation and possible ordinance options or recommended changes to state guidance.
No ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting; staff scheduled a fuller presentation to update council and outline next steps.
