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Council approves e-bike code changes after wide public comment on fairness and enforcement
Summary
Council approved amendments to Fishers' micromobility rules to allow Class 1–3 e-bikes on trails and sidewalks while restricting e-motors to roadways and updating helmet requirements for under-18 operators; the changes prompted multiple public speakers urging clearer definitions, speed‑based rules and more education and enforcement.
The Fishers City Council approved amendments to local ordinances governing e-bicycles, e-motors and related micromobility devices after extensive council discussion and several public commenters urged changes or clarifications.
What the ordinance does: Assistant Chief of Police (speaker 30) explained that the amendment allows all e-bicycles, including Class 3, to operate on greenway trails, multi-use trails and sidewalks but prohibits e-motors from operating on those facilities and instead limits them to roadways under moped regulations. The ordinance also includes a helmet requirement for operators under 18 and clarifies where different device classes are permitted. "Our community engagement team are officers that are taken off of regular patrol when available to either walk or do bike patrol on the trails," the chief said when describing enforcement and education options.
Public concerns: Multiple residents told council they support safety but urged the city to write rules that are consistent and focused on speed and rider behavior rather than whether a device has pedals. "Responsible riders should not automatically be treated as the same as wrecking riders," Michelle (a resident who addressed council during public comment) said, arguing for speed‑based distinctions. Jason Johnson and other commenters raised technical and equity concerns, saying the ordinance as written could prohibit some low‑speed devices for under‑15 users while allowing class‑2 devices that can reach similar speeds.
Council response and vote: Council members pressed staff on enforcement mechanics and legal limits under state law (the city noted state law does not permit registration of certain devices). The council approved the ordinance with an amendment to require helmets for operators under 18; the measure passed by voice vote after a motion to suspend the rules and act on first reading.
Why it matters: The ordinance affects where a broad range of micromobility devices may be ridden across Fishers' trails, sidewalks and roadways, and it intersects with enforcement practice and public-safety education. Several commenters asked for additional public engagement with cycling organizations and for clearer device/vehicle definitions and speed-based rules.
What's next: City staff said they will continue community outreach, rely on bike‑patrol and community engagement officers for education and enforcement, and follow required statutory steps. Some residents requested further revision or additional public process, suggesting the city may revisit details as enforcement and real‑world use reveal issues.
