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Broken Bow council advances e-bike, e-scooter rules after public comments; seeks more input
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 1311 to regulate electric scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards, restricting device use on downtown sidewalks, barring riders under 18 from streets in the business district, requiring helmets for minors, and banning devices on park grounds. Council declined to waive readings and held the first reading after public comment urging more community input.
The Broken Bow City Council opened a public hearing on June 9 on Ordinance 1311, a proposed amendment to Chapter 74 of the municipal code to regulate electric scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards on public property.
Administrator David Schmidt said the newer draft removes an earlier proposal that would have banned all e-bikes in the business district; under the revision, devices would be prohibited on sidewalks in the business district, riders under 18 would be restricted from using streets within the business district, approved helmets would be required for all minors, and use of devices would be restricted within city parks, including grass, ballfields and walking paths.
Councilmember Travis Kleeb questioned allowing high-speed e-bikes on sidewalks and suggested exploring lowering an age restriction to 16 to align with motor vehicle licensing rules. City Attorney Jason White recommended the council not waive the three readings and to allow more time for public input.
Two members of the public spoke during the hearing. Tim Schuckman of 425 N. 9th Ave, an e-bike rider for four years, said the draft was "pretty restrictive" but said he supported efforts to address unsafe riding; he urged the council to allow more time for public feedback. Dann Scofield of 1750 N. 9th Ave, who said he has ridden e-bikes for seven years, warned that rules should not unduly restrict law-abiding riders and urged broader local discussion before finalizing the ordinance.
After public comment the council voted not to waive the three readings and the city clerk performed the ordinance’s first reading. Mayor Rod Sonnichsen said the council’s prior discussions had centered on safety concerns involving youth riders and urged careful drafting to "get it right." The matter remains subject to further readings and public input before any final adoption.
