Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ebikes And Scooters topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neenah council delays vote on e‑bike and e‑scooter ordinance after extended public forum
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment urging changes to a proposed ordinance that would restrict e‑bike use and require helmets, the Neenah Common Council voted unanimously to postpone final action on Ordinance 2026‑07 to its June 3 meeting so staff can refine language and consult stakeholders.
Neenah’s Common Council on May 20 heard a packed public forum about a proposed ordinance to regulate e‑bikes and e‑scooters and mandate helmet use, then voted unanimously to delay final action until its June 3 meeting.
Residents who spoke at the podium urged the council to narrow the proposal, which was posted by the Public Services and Safety Committee as Ordinance 2026‑07. Martin Shraer, a lifelong resident, told the council, “We don't need another law restricting us law‑abiding e‑bike operators when we already have laws addressing the unsafe situation,” arguing that the complaints largely stem from faster, throttle‑driven devices that meet the legal definition of motor vehicles rather than class‑legal e‑bikes.
Several speakers framed the issue as one of enforcement and clarity rather than a blanket ban. Lynn Beerman described her reliance on an e‑bike because of medical issues and said the ordinance would “punish the real e‑bike riders when the illegal ones are the ones that should be being punished.” Sarah Moss asked the council to “focus on behavior — speeding, reckless riding, failure to yield — not on whether a bicycle has pedal assist,” and questioned how officers would determine whether a battery was engaged. Aaron Roker warned that restrictive downtown rules could reduce foot traffic and harm local businesses.
Dennis, introduced as president of Fox Cities Greenways, urged the council to return the measure to staff or committee so stakeholders could be involved, said many complaints are generated by modified or throttle‑driven e‑motorbikes ordered online, and raised technical helmet‑standard issues.
Council members and staff acknowledged the range of concerns. Alderman Ellis said the goal is “safety first” and emphasized that the changes are not intended to prevent responsible use. City attorney David described recent edits circulated to council that would, among other clarifications, prohibit riding an e‑bike “under power” on sidewalks in a defined downtown zone and allow trailers that meet ASTM standards in certain cases. Police Chief Olsen described enforcement as observational: “Are they moving their feet or not? If the officers see that the feet are not being moved, then that's a valid traffic stop,” he said, adding officers will target “egregious” behavior and that portable signage and education could be used in trouble spots.
Alderman Weber moved to postpone action on Ordinance 2026‑07 to the June 3 council meeting to give staff time to incorporate feedback and coordinate with neighboring municipalities; the motion passed unanimously. The ordinance as drafted would regulate e‑bikes and e‑scooters and mandate helmet wearing under Section 16, but council signaled it expects additional stakeholder input and possible tweaks before a final vote.
What’s next: The council will revisit Ordinance 2026‑07 on June 3. Staff and the city attorney were asked to refine language to address trailer use, enforcement thresholds and how signage or local restrictions would be implemented. Neighboring communities (Manasha, Fox Crossing) and local trail advocates are expected to be consulted.
