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Lebanon council opens debate on golf carts, UTVs and e-bikes; long public conversation on ebike rules
Summary
Council held first readings on three related ordinances to regulate golf carts (Ordinance 2025-44), utility task vehicles (UTVs, 2025-42), and electric bicycles (2025-43). Golf carts and UTVs focus on registration, inspections, and prohibited areas; the ebike draft prompted extended public comment calling for class- and speed‑based distinctions to protect riders and trail access.
The Lebanon City Council used its Nov. 24 meeting to introduce a suite of ordinances aimed at regulating small motorized vehicles: revised golf-cart rules (Ord. 2025-44), a new UTV chapter (Ord. 2025-42), and proposed ebike regulations (Ord. 2025-43). All three were presented in first reading and will return for additional consideration.
Golf carts and UTVs: Councilman Hawkins and counsel explained the golf‑cart revision would tighten registration and inspection processes, require a city police inspection and annual permit, set dimensional limits, require a slow-moving-vehicle decal, and ban carts from state highways, sidewalks and bike paths. The UTV chapter would separately define UTVs, require registration and inspection with the police department, set maximum dimensions and permitted operations, and make UTVs subject to state traffic laws; staff said several other Indiana towns were consulted. Hawkins underscored safety concerns including modified carts and after‑dark operation; special-event exceptions (for fireworks, etc.) were discussed.
E-bikes: The ebike chapter prompted the most public comment. Draft text would create a chapter for electric bicycles, set specs and inspection/registration requirements, and propose minimum age/ID rules (14–15 year olds could obtain an ID card) with mandatory helmets and eye protection for riders under 18. Cyclists, families and disability‑advocates told the council they rely on pedal‑assist and throttle‑equipped cargo bikes for safe, everyday trips and asked councilors to distinguish equipment classes or use speed‑based rules rather than blanket prohibitions. Staff and councilors said their priority is to stop motorized, non‑pedal vehicles that operate like motorcycles and are being used recklessly on sidewalks and trails; they emphasized further drafting and stakeholder feedback will follow.
Next steps: Council members signaled willingness to refine the texts and to protect both public safety and legitimate transportation uses. All three ordinances were left in first reading (some items also read as first reading only); second readings are scheduled for Dec. 8 for items the council elects to advance.
