Ashwaubenon committee directs staff to draft ordinance restricting sidewalk use by bikes and scooters, allows e-devices on trails

The Village of Ashwaubenon Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee on Dec. 9 directed staff to draft an ordinance that would restrict bicycles and motorized scooters from sidewalks while permitting certain electric bicycles and scooters to operate on designated trails.

Committee members and staff framed the discussion around safety, enforcement, and consistency with nearby jurisdictions. Joel (village staff) reported that most neighboring municipalities prohibit both pedal and electric bicycles and scooters from sidewalks, which prompted members to recommend clearer local code definitions so public safety officers can enforce violations without internal conflicts with state statute.

Members recited the three e-bike classes used in state guidance: class 1 (pedal-assist, up to 20 mph), class 2 (throttle-assist, up to 20 mph), and class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph), and debated how each should be treated on sidewalks, trails and roads. Several members said sidewalks can feel safer for young children on narrow neighborhood streets, while public-safety advisors emphasized that officers need a clear code to act against reckless operation.

A committee member moved that bicycles of any type not be allowed on sidewalks; another member separately moved to prohibit motorized scooters on sidewalks. Both motions were advanced during the meeting and staff summarized that the committee’s voice votes provided direction to strip permissive sidewalk language and add explicit definitions in the municipal code.

On trails, the committee approved a motion (moved by Dale; second by Leroy) to allow e-bikes and e-scooters on village trails, with caveats excluding non-pedaling motorbikes that resemble dirt bikes and would require road registration and a driver’s license.

Joel said he will prepare a draft ordinance reflecting the committee’s motions — defining e-bikes and e-scooters consistent with statute, prohibiting motorized scooters and restricting sidewalk operation of bicycles and e-bikes — and return it for committee review in January before referral to the board.

The committee emphasized education alongside enforcement: members asked staff to plan public outreach about any new rules, noting that enforcement is typically complaint-driven and that officers will use discretion for isolated, low-risk uses (for example, a young child on a sidewalk).

Next steps: staff will draft the ordinance with clear device definitions and enforcement language and bring the draft to the committee in January for review before any board action.