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Hartland board begins ordinance to regulate electric bicycles and scooters; helmet, speed and cross-border issues debated
Summary
At first reading of an ordinance on electric bicycles and scooters, trustees discussed state-class definitions, helmet requirements for minors, sidewalk and speed enforcement, and coordination with neighboring towns; police urged caution on enforcement burdens.
The Village Board of Hartland completed a first reading of a draft ordinance intended to regulate electric bicycles and scooters, adopting state statute classifications as the starting point and asking staff for more input on helmet requirements, sidewalk use and cross-jurisdiction coordination.
Chief Miscoco reviewed the draft language and explained that the ordinance uses state statute classifications (class 1–3) and that class 2 vehicles can be throttle-assisted. The chief said communities have taken different approaches and that one recently adopted ordinance in a nearby village required helmets for scooter riders under 16.
Trustees debated whether to require helmets for minors, how to limit high-speed, throttle-driven vehicles on sidewalks and trails, and whether the village should rely on signage or targeted prohibited-area resolutions rather than blanket bans. A resident, Cliff Walcott, spoke during public comment and asked where the draft is posted and how the public can provide feedback; staff pointed listeners to the village packet online and asked that comments be sent by email to ensure they are included in the record.
Board members also discussed coordination with neighboring municipalities to avoid inconsistent rules at municipal borders and asked staff to compile examples of helmet and speed requirements from nearby communities before the second reading.
Next steps: staff will gather model ordinances and legal guidance, return with recommended language on helmets and sidewalk use, and advertise a second reading so residents can provide input.
