Le Mars police: electric scooters, skateboards not covered by Iowa code; staff to emphasize safety education

Police Chief Kevin Mandevac told the council that electric scooters and skateboards are increasingly common in Le Mars but are not addressed by the Iowa Code, which limits the city's ability to create an ordinance specifically for those devices.

“I backed up my research with Mike Murphy, our city attorney,” Mandevac said. “Basically, in a nutshell, these electric scooters and skateboards are not covered by any portion of the Iowa code,” he added, noting that the only similar reference in state law concerns Segways.

Mandevac recommended that parents ensure children can safely handle the devices, use sidewalks and the recreational trail with courtesy to pedestrians, and use lights and bright clothing at night. He said the department will begin public-safety announcements on social media immediately and suggested incorporating scooters into an existing bicycle-safety seminar.

The police department and community partners also offer helmet distribution for children. One council member noted that local cycling groups help buy helmets at events and encouraged parents to contact the police if they need one; the transcript indicates helmets will be provided while supplies last.

Mandevac said Iowa City has an ordinance limiting scooter use in its downtown business district, but that is a localized approach rather than statewide guidance. The council did not adopt a new ordinance at the meeting; staff advised public education and enforcement of existing pedestrian-safety rules where applicable.

Outcome: No ordinance was introduced; staff will pursue public information efforts and consider adding scooters to existing safety programming.