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Resident raises e‑bike safety concerns; city says state rules apply and police studying local options
Summary
A Sterling Heights resident told the council e‑bikes and scooters are operating unsafely in neighborhoods; the city manager said state regulations classify e‑bikes by type and the police department is reviewing model ordinances for possible local controls.
During communications from citizens, a resident who identified himself as Michael (S21) told the council he observed several e‑bikes and scooters traveling unsafely—often without helmets and crossing streets inattentively—and said the city currently lacks ordinances addressing the devices.
Michael warned that speeds of 15–30 mph create a hazard and asked what the city can do. City Manager Mark Vanderpool (S7) responded that the state regulates e‑bike classes (type 1–3) governing where they may operate on public ways and pathways, and that the police department is studying local options and model ordinances from across Michigan and the country. Vanderpool said the issue is prevalent nationwide, the city is aware of the safety concerns, and staff will report back to council later this year.
The council thanked the resident for raising the issue and administration said it would follow up with a report on potential local controls.
