La Crosse advisory panel recommends updated e-bike and e-scooter ordinance after 4–3 vote

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee voted 4–3 on April 14 to recommend an updated e-bike and e-scooter ordinance that treats throttle-equipped (Class 2) e-bikes differently from pedal-assist models and prohibits e-scooters on downtown sidewalks while otherwise treating scooter sidewalk use the same as bicycles.

Committee staff explained the newest draft—now in the legislative cycle and linked to a Legistar file—removes language tied to a vehicle’s power unit and instead bars the throttle function while allowing pedal-assist. "We've changed it now, so it's just the throttle part that it would not be allowed, but... pedal assist is allowed too," the presenter said, describing the change to align with state definitions and to prevent high-speed "zoom" on sidewalks.

The change drew questions about enforcement and clarity. A regional motorcycle-rights representative, Clint Carlock, said police need clear guidance and urged education rather than broad restrictions. Committee members pressed whether officers are issuing citations or warnings and cautioned that local rules should be enforceable and understandable to the public. Committee discussion referenced state law default speeds for e-scooters and the "reasonable rate of speed" standard as an enforcement touchstone.

Debate also focused on whether the draft undoes or preserves existing park sidewalk restrictions. Member Kevin raised concerns that the proposal could alter rules in Riverside Park and Grandad Bluff Park; staff responded that existing municipal code sections (chapter 44 and code section 34-68) technically prohibit biking in parts of Riverside Park because the downtown boundary currently extends to the Mississippi River, and the draft seeks to reconcile those inconsistencies.

A last-minute amendment to change the park restriction language failed for lack of a second. Speaker 2 moved to recommend the ordinance as written; the committee approved the recommendation on a 4–3 vote and will forward that recommendation to the Board of Park Commissioners; further consideration including a possible public hearing will follow at J & A and Common Council.

The committee’s discussion emphasized that enforcement will rely on police discretion and that education campaigns could accompany any ordinance changes. The measure now goes to the Board of Park Commissioners and then to subsequent legislative steps where members and the public can submit formal comments.