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Commission advances first reading of ordinance to regulate electric scooters, one-wheelers and similar devices
Summary
On July 7 Madison commissioners approved the first reading of Ordinance 16-80, which would treat wheeled electronically propelled devices under existing bicycle rules, cap sidewalk speeds at 15 mph and require helmet and eye protection for devices exceeding 20 mph.
The City of Madison advanced the first reading of Ordinance 16-80 on July 7, a measure city staff said is intended to standardize rules for electrically propelled devices such as scooters, e-bikes, one-wheel boards and similar vehicles.
The proposal places those devices under the same code provisions that govern bicycles and sets specific operating requirements: a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour on sidewalks; devices operating at speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour must be operated with a helmet and eye protection; lights and reflectors are required consistent with the bicycle provisions; and operators must obey traffic-control devices and all other rules in Article 40 of the city code. Staff said the measure is intended to enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Why it matters: commissioners and staff said the devices are growing in prevalence and that inconsistent behavior (zipping across intersections or moving quickly on sidewalks) raises safety concerns for vulnerable road users. City staff noted officers have spent weeks educating users about existing rules and recommended clearer, codified standards.
Notable details from the discussion:
- Speed limits: the ordinance text discussed at the meeting sets a 15 mph maximum for devices on sidewalks; devices exceeding 20 mph would trigger mandatory protective-equipment requirements.
- Age and equipment: staff pointed to existing code that prohibits children under 12 from operating bicycles on streets after 9 p.m.; the proposed ordinance would carry similar lighting and reflector requirements to devices classified as bicycles.
- Enforcement and education: staff said enforcement has been primarily educational to date; the ordinance would give officers a clearer code basis to cite unsafe operators.
Commission action: commissioners approved the ordinance’s first reading and directed staff to proceed with the ordinance process. No public opposition or formal amendments were recorded during the meeting’s discussion.
