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Mendota Heights unveils e-bike safety campaign; police outline enforcement options
Summary
City staff presented an e-bike safety campaign developed with police to educate riders and guardians about legal operation on shared trails; Police Chief Kelly McCarthy said violations can lead to education, citations or impoundment and clarified that e-motorized scooters are prohibited on public property unless street-legal.
City staff on April 21 described a new e-bike safety campaign aimed at raising awareness of safe and lawful e-bike use on Mendota Heights' shared-use trails.
Recreation Coordinator Willow Eisfeldt said the campaign was developed in collaboration with Police Chief Kelly McCarthy following direction from the City Council. The plan includes outreach to older teens and guardians; Eisfeldt said staff sent safety information to high school students (15 and older) and that she could expand distribution to middle schools for younger riders.
Police Chief Kelly McCarthy described enforcement options for unsafe or unlawful e-bike operation: education on first contact, possible citations for ordinance or State law violations, and impoundment of e-bikes in some circumstances. She also said that the 15-year age restriction is set by State law and is enforceable. Chief McCarthy added that e-motorized scooters ("e-motos") are not allowed on public property unless they are street-legal, in which case they also require a licensed operator.
Mayor Levine and Councilors asked staff to ensure the campaign materials clearly note enforcement consequences and the prohibition on e-motos; Mayor Levine said including enforcement details could help with prevention.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with outreach and educational materials and consider whether to recommend a City ordinance on trail speed limits; any ordinance change would be a separate Council decision.
