Madison council previews e-bike and scooter ordinance, emphasizes education and downtown sidewalk ban

Madison officials discussed a proposed e-bike and scooter ordinance that would reinforce state bicycle rules at the local level, ban sidewalk riding in downtown areas and add enforcement mechanisms and educational outreach.

Mayor Robert H. Conley said the draft ordinance builds on work by the Complete Streets committee and stated the intent is to coordinate with nearby municipalities while recognizing local differences. Key elements described include clarifying local enforcement, prohibiting e-bikes and scooters on downtown sidewalks and parking lots, requiring riders to obey traffic laws and use helmets where applicable, and fining violators with parental liability for minors.

Council members and staff debated practical issues: how to define a minimum age (options discussed included 12 or 14), whether to ban certain throttle-type e-bikes for younger riders, how to message the public (via schools, social media and direct communications), and whether parks and trails should be explicitly included. Attorney Marina, present to advise on legal coordination with state regulations, endorsed clarifying language and said the draft will incorporate state law where applicable.

Several council members emphasized warnings and education as the first line of enforcement to avoid unfairly penalizing unaware residents; the police department has already run junior-school safety efforts. The mayor said the goal is to introduce the ordinance in July, recognizing the community is in peak biking season and that earlier adoption would be preferable.

The council did not vote on the ordinance at the meeting; members asked staff and legal counsel to prepare an introduction-ready draft and outreach plan.