Marquette adopts ordinance regulating e-bikes and low-powered mobility devices on multiuse paths

The Marquette City Commission unanimously adopted Ordinance 26-05 on June 16, 2026, establishing local rules for electric bicycles and similar low-powered devices on the city's multiuse path and restricting riding on certain downtown sidewalks.

City staff framed the ordinance as a behavioral, enforceable approach rather than a device ban. The measure permits wheeled devices designed for one or more riders and powered by motors of 750 watts or less, including electric bicycles (class 1, 2 and 3), electric skateboards and other state-defined mobility devices, while barring higher-powered eMotors and other motor vehicles not meeting the device definitions. The ordinance also adds a set of conduct rules'10including a "reasonable and prudent" speed standard, a requirement to keep right and limit path occupancy, safe-passing rules and yielding at uncontrolled crossings'10and makes violations civil infractions rather than misdemeanors.

"We're treating them as bicycles and not really what they are, which is small motorcycles," Pam Lorich said during public comment, urging the commission to require training or licensing for younger riders after recent accidents. Several other residents urged stronger sidewalk protections, clearer speed rules and more signage to inform residents and tourists about the changes. "In the disability community, the word 'mobility device' is referenced as a device that helps someone move independently," Jamie Glenn said, asking staff to clarify language so assistive devices are not conflated with recreational devices.

Staff said many definitions were drawn from state law so the city's code would remain aligned if state definitions change. Annie, a city staff member who worked on the draft, said the "reasonable and prudent" speed language came from a municipal ordinance in Kirkland, Washington, as a way to enable enforcement without adopting an inflexible speed limit. She said the ordinance prohibits reckless riding, requires users to maintain full control of devices, and allows temporary restrictions during events or construction at the discretion of the city manager and police chief. The ordinance also repeals an outdated skateboard section and clarifies that ADA protections remain in force.

On enforcement, Police Captain Verkleiter explained the department plans to rely on existing park patrol and bike patrol officers to increase visibility on the path and to issue civil infractions when warranted. He said park patrol and bike patrol officers can and will issue civil infractions, that the department will avoid vehicular pursuits on the path, and that identifying repeat offenders will often rely on cameras and known patterns. "If we stop a juvenile — we get a name, phone number, we call the parents," Verkleiter said, describing how officers would handle juvenile incidents.

Commissioners debated whether the ordinance should explicitly extend reckless-activity language to sidewalks citywide. Some members argued that including sidewalks everywhere would ease enforcement, while staff and others cautioned that certain contexts (for example, school drop-offs) may make sidewalk riding preferable for some children and that a broader code review would be a better time to craft citywide sidewalk language. Commissioners also discussed the need for additional signage and outreach to tourists and Northern Michigan University students.

Deputy clerk roll call showed votes of "yes" from Commissioners Gottlieb, Hanley, Larson, Mayer, Mayor Pro Tem Ottaway and Mayor Schlegel. The ordinance was adopted 6-0 and, per the staff report, will take immediate effect under the cited city charter provision. Staff said the ordinance has no immediate fiscal effect but that implementation will include operational steps such as signage placement, public education, and coordination with park and bike patrols.

The commission thanked the e-bike task force and staff for preparing the ordinance and said they expect to return with further refinements, signage plans and possible sidewalk-related amendments as the city reviews chapter language and enforcement needs.