Council to hold June 29 forum on e-bikes and e-scooters; city limited by state law, chief says

City staff and the police department briefed the council on options for regulating e-bikes, e-scooters, mini-bikes and similar electric personal devices and announced a public forum for June 29 to gather public input.

Chief Cole said the city attorney advised that state law generally preempts local regulation in many areas related to these devices and that broader measures (for example, helmet mandates or certain age restrictions) may require legislative action in Des Moines. "Based on the guidance from the city attorney, we were told the state law generally preempts local regulations," Cole said, urging the council to concentrate on practical, enforceable rules such as prohibiting passenger-carrying on single-rider devices, stunt riding, using phones while operating, failing to use lights at night, and banning device use in playgrounds and other specified facilities.

Councilmembers voiced safety and enforcement concerns, noting near-misses downtown and raising doubts about the ability to consistently enforce new rules without added officer resources. Several members said they would continue drafting local rules that do not conflict with state code and encouraged residents to attend the June 29 public forum to share suggestions.

Staff distributed example ordinances from other Iowa cities (Des Moines, Ankeny) and asked the council to consider model language that fits the city's legal constraints. The forum will let staff gather community input before the council considers specific ordinance language or formal actions.