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Clive and metro partners draft ordinance to regulate e-bikes, scooters and personal electric devices; enforcement will focus on education
Summary
Police and transportation staff presented a regional draft ordinance to regulate where motorized bicycles and scooters may operate, update definitions (including devices >750W and up to 39 mph), and emphasize public education and signage; enforcement is planned to be limited and phased in over roughly a 12-month outreach window with enforcement targeted to begin in July 2027.
City police and transportation staff presented a regional draft ordinance on March 26 intended to clarify how electric scooters, e-bikes, mopeds and other personal transportation devices should be used on streets, trails and sidewalks.
The proposal — developed with metro partners to create parity across neighboring jurisdictions — expands definitions to include higher-power ‘‘motorized bicycles’’ (devices with electric motors exceeding 750 watts and capable of approaching 39 mph) and sets out places of operation, with the draft allowing some smaller devices on streets but generally restricting motorized conveyances on sidewalks and multi-use trails where appropriate. Staff noted enforcement challenges: speed-measurement equipment does not reliably measure human-powered or micromobility speeds on multiuse trails, making post hoc enforcement difficult. Instead, the draft emphasizes education, signage at trailheads, a school- and parent-focused outreach campaign (including school resource officers), and targeted bike-patrol presence on weekends.
The draft proposes a 12-month education period before active enforcement, with enforcement projected to begin July 2027. Staff said the state considered similar legislation this session but that the bill died; local adoption would help Clive shape any future statewide language by demonstrating a regional approach first.
Council members and staff said they expect continued refinement and will seek park-board input. Staff plan to return with a first reading in May and follow-on readings as the draft is refined and coordinated regionally.
