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Boulder City adopts broad e‑bike, scooter ordinance requiring helmets for minors, setting 15 mph sidewalk limit
Summary
After public comment and a lengthy council discussion, Boulder City unanimously passed bill 2082 to regulate bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters—establishing a 15 mph sidewalk speed cap, helmet requirements for minors and progressive civil fines; staff will run an education campaign before enforcement begins.
Boulder City’s City Council on a unanimous voice vote approved a new ordinance (bill 2082) that creates comprehensive local rules for bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters, and adds non‑motorized scooters, skateboards and roller skates to the municipal code.
The ordinance, presented by city staff, sets a 15‑mile‑per‑hour speed limit for devices operating on sidewalks unless a different limit is posted and requires helmets for anyone under 18 using bicycles, e‑bikes or e‑scooters. The staff presentation cited U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data, saying injuries from these devices have increased about 20% annually since 2017, and described proposed civil fines that escalate for repeat violations ($150 first, $250 second, $600 third and subsequent offenses).
Supporters on council framed the ordinance as a public‑safety measure focused on protecting children. “The most important part of this bill for me is the helmet,” one councilmember said during debate, urging education and helmet distribution alongside any enforcement. Members also pressed staff on practical enforcement and sign‑posting for downtown commercial sidewalks and multi‑use paths.
Public commenters offered mixed views. Bryn Delarmier said she opposed allowing riding on sidewalks because of visibility and driveway conflicts, while long‑time e‑bike rider Pam Triolo asked the council not to penalize law‑abiding riders and urged balanced rules. Bridal Smith described near‑misses in residential areas and recommended designated riding corridors and youth education programs.
Police Chief Shea told the council the department is working on coordinated education with schools and regional partners and emphasized that officers would prioritize education—particularly for young children—over citations. “Our goal is not to have to enforce, really. Our goal is to give the information to people,” the chief said.
Council debate produced two notable adjustments: staff removed a duplicative subsection and clarified language addressing audible warning devices (bells/horns) to allow voice warnings if mechanical devices fail. Councilmember Walton suggested extending the 15 mph limit to local multi‑use paths (except for the River Mountain Loop, which council amended to exempt), and members asked staff to move forward with signage and a public information campaign.
The ordinance will take effect Sept. 18, 2025, and staff said it will be published in the Las Vegas Review‑Journal, posted on the city website and placed on the city bulletin board. City staff confirmed an information campaign will precede active ticketing for violations to notify residents about the changes.
What’s next: the city plans outreach and coordination with schools and public‑safety partners to educate residents about new speed limits, helmet rules and where devices are permitted.
