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Police introduce e-bike ordinance after complaints and recent juvenile crash; council to consider April 23
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Summary
The police department introduced a local ordinance to regulate mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters) to align with state rules and add stricter local requirements (including helmet mandates for those 18 and under); the measure will be formally considered at the April 23 meeting and would allow fines and impoundment.
Fairhope police presented a draft ordinance intended to regulate electric bicycles and other mobility devices after repeated public complaints about unsafe riding and a recent crash involving a 14-year-old.
The chief said officers have encountered underage riders performing wheelies, riders using modified kits to exceed legal speeds, and incidents in which bicyclists struck vehicles. "We've actually towed three already," the chief said, describing recent enforcement actions. Under the proposed ordinance, the city would be able to impose fines, impound modified or illegal bikes, and pursue penalties through the municipal court; staff also proposed requiring helmets for riders 18 and younger.
Council agreed to lay the ordinance over to the next meeting (April 23) for formal consideration and possible adoption. Staff and council framed the change as a public-safety measure intended to curb reckless behavior while allowing lawful use of mobility devices under clearer local rules.
