Lincoln approves ordinance limiting e-bikes, e-scooters on sidewalks and walking paths
Loading...
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance restricting electric mobility devices on sidewalks and pedestrian paths, citing safety concerns; the measure exempts ADA mobility devices, sets fines (base capped at $50), and directs enforcement through education and citations.
Lincoln ' The City of Lincoln adopted an ordinance on 2006-01-13 regulating electric mobility devices on sidewalks and walking paths, citing a rise in near misses and injuries associated with faster, heavier e-bikes and e-scooters.
Deputy city attorney Christy McKinney and Lincoln Police traffic officer Brett Schneider presented the draft ordinance at the public hearing. Schneider described rising complaints since August 2024 and noted typical e-bike speeds well above pedestrian walking pace: "class 1 or class 2 e bike routinely travels between 15 to 20 miles per hour, and a class 3 e bike can reach speeds of up to 28 miles an hour." He said national trauma data shows many e-bike injuries happen where pedestrians and devices mix. "Sidewalks are for walking, bike lanes, and roadways are for bikes, electric or otherwise," Schneider said.
The ordinance clarifies sidewalk and shared-path use, aligns local rules with state vehicle code where applicable, exempts mobility devices used under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and caps fines at $50 for sidewalk violations with an emphasis on education and compliance. Several residents urged stronger penalties or registration of e-bikes to deter repeated violations and to address damage to public property; police and staff replied that criminal vandalism and restitution are handled under existing state penal code, and that some enforcement options are limited by state law.
Council members moved and seconded the measure; after public comment the council voted to approve the ordinance. The council also directed staff to incorporate signage and to include the subject in the upcoming bikeways master-plan update.
Implementation notes: enforcement will emphasize education with citations as necessary; the city manager and police department will coordinate roll-out and signage, and staff will return with any refinements to fines or enforcement tools.
What's next: The city will post regulations and implement community education; the bikeways master plan update will include clearer trail and path designations.
