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Marquette schedules June 16 public hearing on multiuse-path e-bike ordinance
Summary
The Marquette City Commission voted 6–0 to schedule a special meeting and public hearing for 5 p.m. on June 16 to consider a draft ordinance clarifying where electric bicycles and similar low-powered devices may be used, adding safety rules and updating sidewalk restrictions in parts of downtown.
The Marquette City Commission voted unanimously to schedule a special meeting and public hearing at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 to consider a draft ordinance that would clarify how electric bicycles and other low-powered electric mobility devices may be used on the city’s multiuse path system.
City Manager Karen Kovacs summarized the draft as an amendment to chapter 26 of the city code that would apply to several device categories, including Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes and other electric personal mobility devices limited to 750 watts. Kovacs said the ordinance is intended to “clarify what certain electric mobility devices may be used particularly on the multiuse path” and to establish operating expectations, education and enforceable standards.
The draft would also revise sidewalk rules in parts of the downtown development district to prohibit riding certain motorized devices on sidewalks and would remove some outdated skateboard-specific provisions. Kovacs told the commission the administration consolidated penalty language into the general municipal civil infraction framework rather than keeping separate fines in each section.
Public commenters raised safety concerns. Barb Alzai, a volunteer and chair of the traffic and parking advisory committee, told commissioners TPAC had pushed for an ebike subcommittee and urged that volunteer recommendations be honored. Alzai warned that scheduling the required public hearing during a standing advisory‑committee meeting felt “a little careless and honestly a little disrespectful.”
Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement realities and accessibility. Kovacs acknowledged ADA protections and said accommodations for medically necessary devices would remain in force, and staff emphasized the hearing is a required step under state law before local regulation is adopted.
Next steps: the commission will hold the June 16 public hearing; following comment the commission could consider adoption of the ordinance at that special meeting or a later regular meeting.
