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Waukee approves first reading of broad rewrite regulating personal transportation devices
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Summary
Council advanced a complete rewrite of the city's bicycle code to cover 'personal transportation devices,' adding safety rules, a trail speed cap, equipment requirements and a $25 fine; staff emphasized education and coordination with the school district.
The Waukee City Council on April 20 approved first reading of a comprehensive rewrite of the city code to regulate personal transportation devices, expanding beyond bicycles to include e-scooters, e-bikes and similar devices.
The city's chief of police (identified at the meeting as the chief) explained the changes and emphasized safety and flexibility: the rewrite defines "personal transportation device," establishes responsible-riding rules, sets a trail speed limit and adds equipment requirements in line with state law. "This revision actually just adds some common sense, safety measures for any devices," the chief said, and specifically noted the ordinance would "implement a speed limit of 20 mile an hour on our trails." The chief also described a required education campaign already underway with the school district and marketing staff.
Key elements include a definition of covered devices, required lighting and brakes consistent with state code, restrictions on riding on high-speed streets when sidewalks or trails are available, prohibiting double-riding where not designed and civil/penalty provisions (a scheduled $25 fine as a simple misdemeanor). Staff said the rewrite is intended to be future-facing so the code does not need repeated amendments as new device types appear.
Council approved introducing the ordinance and approving first reading and title only; staff said they will continue public education and enforcement planning before any final adoption.
