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Gulf Shores reviews proposed e-bike rental rules as residents raise safety and fairness concerns
Summary
Police Chief Dan Netemeyer presented proposed e-bike rental and general-use ordinances; meeting attendees raised concerns about removing throttles, a proposed 10 mph multi-use-trail speed limit, and that rental companies would be singled out while private e-bike owners would not be regulated. Attendees suggested a study to determine sources of problems.
At the Jan. 20, 2026 Gulf Shores City Council work session, Police Chief Dan Netemeyer presented proposed ordinances intended to regulate e-bike rentals and general e-bike use.
Council members asked questions about the proposed rules. Several meeting attendees expressed concerns that the draft regulations appeared to single out rental companies while leaving private e-bike owners largely unregulated. Attendees highlighted specific provisions they said were problematic, including a requirement to remove throttles on rental bikes and a proposed 10 mph speed limit on multi-use trails.
Those speakers suggested the city commission or staff first study where incidents and complaints are originating — whether from rental users or private e-bike owners — before finalizing targeted rental-company regulations. The minutes record the presentation and public concern but do not show a motion or vote adopting the proposed ordinances.
The minutes do not include the full proposed ordinance text, enforcement details, or a timeline for next steps; staff and council appeared to be seeking more information before taking formal action.
Next procedural steps were not specified in the excerpts provided; the council may ask staff to conduct or report on the recommended study before returning the matter for formal consideration.
