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Council hears resident pleas on e-bike safety; ordinance referred back to administration
Summary
Residents and council members called for stricter local rules and enforcement for high-speed electric bikes after multiple safety complaints; council referred the proposed e-bike ordinance back to the administration for further work.
Residents and council members pressed for action on high-speed electric bikes during and after the April 28 Dearborn Heights City Council meeting, where the proposed ordinance received an initial reading and was sent back to the administration for revision.
Multiple speakers, including in-person commenters and council members, described dangerous riding in neighborhoods and parks—riding between playground swings and at intersections—urging new local rules and enforcement strategies. A resident who declined to provide a street address and identified himself as Moses said police enforcement under Chief Michael Gazowski has been effective but urged impoundment and stronger penalties. Moses also pointed to Michigan law that distinguishes e-bikes from electric motorcycles (two working pedals; 750‑watt motor limit), suggesting local code could mirror neighboring communities’ ordinances.
Council members repeatedly urged caution and said they will return with a locally tailored ordinance. The body formally referred the mayor's e-bike ordinance draft back to administration for additional study and potential amendments; staff signaled plans for a study session and further public safety coordination with the police department.
What’s next: Administration will revise the draft ordinance and the police department plans targeted enforcement across districts during the summer; council members asked staff to include clear definitions, age/helmet provisions, permissible locations, and enforcement procedures in the next draft.
