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Ashwaubenon committee seeks draft ordinance and education plan for e‑bikes and scooters
Summary
After reviewing state definitions and local experience, the Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee asked staff to draft code language that tracks statutory definitions for e‑bikes and scooters and to return in November with education materials for residents and schools.
The Ashwaubenon Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee on Oct. 14 asked staff to draft an ordinance aligning village code with state statutory definitions for electric bicycles, scooters and personal mobility devices, and to prepare an education plan for schools and residents.
Joel, a village staff member who briefed the committee, recapped the statutory framework and the committee’s earlier recommendation: “we would view electric bicycles the same as bicycles in as it relates to sidewalks and trails,” he said, adding that municipalities may adopt local restrictions for sidewalks and trails but should use statutory definitions for consistency. Joel warned that scooters that exceed the statutory scooter definition would be classified as “electric assistive devices,” which are treated differently under state law.
Committee members described frequent sidewalk and trail use by e‑bikes and scooters, noted uneven helmet use and unsafe behaviors they have observed, and emphasized enforcement limits. One member said it is often “a lot safer for you to be in the road and be in a predictable and seeable place,” urging the group to weigh safety tradeoffs between roadway and sidewalk use. Several members recommended keeping rules simple and enforceable and prioritizing education rather than complex local classifications.
The committee directed staff to return at the November meeting with draft code language that mirrors the statutory classes and with an education plan (school presentations, bike‑rodeo integration and outreach materials) led by Natalie. Staff also will survey neighboring ordinances — including Green Bay, De Pere and Madison — and evaluate bicycle‑registration programs and options for voluntary scooter registration as an outreach tool.
No formal ordinance was adopted. The committee framed next steps as a staff action: draft code language referencing statutory classes, prepare education materials for families and schools, and present options and enforcement implications at the next meeting.
