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Hartland advances draft electric‑bike/scooter ordinance to formal readings after safety discussion
Summary
The board directed staff to move a draft ordinance regulating electric bicycles and scooters through the formal ordinance process; trustees discussed class definitions, helmet language, age limits and leaving some location restrictions to signage.
Village staff and the police department presented a draft ordinance to regulate electric bicycles and scooters that the board voted to move forward for formal readings.
The draft follows Wisconsin state statute definitions for class 1–3 electric bicycles (class 1 and 2 assist or throttle up to 20 mph; class 3 assist up to 28 mph) and treats many electric scooters similarly to bicycles for purposes of sidewalk and trail access unless signage restricts them. Chief Tom and staff outlined equipment and age restrictions derived from state law (for example, class 3 riders must be at least 16) and suggested leaving some location‑specific prohibitions to local signage so staff can react quickly to problem areas. Trustees discussed reintroducing a helmet requirement for under‑16 riders and whether to set explicit speed thresholds for scooters; the chief left speed thresholds blank in the draft for later board decision.
The board voted to advance the draft ordinance for the formal three‑reading process so the community can review the proposed rules and staff can refine details such as helmet language and any targeted local restrictions.
