Storm Lake schedules June 29 public input session on e-bikes and e-scooters after safety work session

The Storm Lake City Council held a work session June 1 to review safety and regulatory options for e-bikes, e-scooters and similar electric mobility devices and set a public input session for June 29 at Chautauqua Shelter House (Chautauqua Park) at 5:30 p.m.

Chief Cole presented a packet noting increased use of electric mobility devices on streets, sidewalks and lake trails and described public-safety concerns including excessive speeds, juvenile operators, multiple riders on single-occupant devices, lack of helmets, operation on sidewalks and limited visibility at night. He cited a state code reference covering electronic assisted mobility devices as part of the legal context.

"These devices are now commonly operated on city streets, sidewalks, our lake trails, and within the park systems," Chief Cole said, listing recent personal-injury crashes and the types of behaviors that worry officers.

Council members discussed a menu of possible responses: minimum age requirements, parental accountability for juvenile operators, helmet encouragement or local helmet rules, prohibiting devices without pedals from lake trails, time-of-day limits, restrictions on roadways with speed limits above 25 mph, education and registration programs with community colleges, and more prominent enforcement where officers can practically act. Members also suggested collecting community input off-site in a larger outdoor forum so residents could see demonstrations and speak directly to staff.

Council agreed to advertise the June 29 session and to discourage use of e-bikes and e-scooters at the city's upcoming Kids Fest as a non-ordinance operational step to reduce risks at the family event.

Staff said they will return with draft ordinance language informed by the public session and community feedback.