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Pella council advances ordinance to consolidate scooter and e‑bike rules, bans some downtown sidewalk use
Summary
On first reading the council approved Ordinance No. 1082 to consolidate state device rules into city code, set speed classes for electric bicycles and scooters, and prohibit device use on specified downtown sidewalks and event areas; police emphasized an education‑first enforcement approach.
The Pella City Council moved forward on the first reading of Ordinance No. 1082, a city code overhaul that consolidates state rules for electric scooters and electric bicycles into a single local code section and adds limited local prohibitions.
City staff said the ordinance groups devices by class and clarifies speed limits: most devices would be limited to 20 mph on trails and sidewalks, while class 3 electric bicycles may operate up to 28 mph. The ordinance also would prohibit scooters and e‑bikes from operating on some downtown sidewalks adjacent to Central Park and would allow temporary restrictions during large events such as Tulip Time.
Police Chief told the council enforcement will lean on public education and collaboration with community stakeholders: "it can't be done by the police alone," the chief said, describing a strategy that combines education, school outreach and targeted enforcement when necessary. The council discussed the potential for teachable moments and agreed the ordinance gives officers more enforcement tools while emphasizing outreach.
Staff characterized the ordinance as mostly housekeeping — consolidating overlapping state code sections — while adding new, narrow prohibitions intended to protect high‑pedestrian areas. The council voted in favor of moving the ordinance forward on its first reading.
What happens next: the ordinance will return for subsequent readings and final adoption per the city's ordinance publication and reading schedule. Staff and police indicated they will develop public education and outreach plans ahead of implementation.
