Councilors urge tougher public education, stepped-up enforcement as scooters and e-bikes spark safety concerns

Council members in Marshall pressed city staff about a surge in complaints involving motorized scooters, motorized bicycles ("emotos") and electric-assist bikes.

Council member Jim said he has received repeated complaints about riders operating devices at unsafe speeds, children riding with younger siblings and a recent serious injury. He asked for public guidance about the applicable statutes and rules.

Chief Jim Marshall told the council the devices themselves are legal; the problem is misuse. He said the police department has increased outreach and enforcement where it can do so safely and that staff are using the city's website and social media to educate parents and riders about age limits, sidewalk prohibitions in the downtown business district, helmet use and safe riding. The chief also said practical enforcement can be difficult from a marked squad car and that the city will meet with community groups and evaluate the approach after a few weeks.

Council discussion emphasized that many of the safety complaints concern motorized foot scooters and motorized bicycles that operate more like mopeds than pedal-assist e-bikes. Council members urged parents to require helmets and discouraged sidewalk riding in the downtown business district (described in the meeting as West Line to Saratoga Street, First to Fifth Street). No ordinance or formal regulatory change was proposed at the meeting; councilors asked staff to continue education and enforcement and to return with recommendations if problems persist.