Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Waukee adopts ordinance regulating personal transportation devices; officials emphasize education before enforcement
Summary
Council placed a new personal‑transportation‑device ordinance on final passage, renaming bicycle rules and enabling enforcement after publication; police described an education‑first approach and a practical test (operable pedals) to distinguish e‑bikes from higher‑powered e‑motos.
The Waukee City Council on final passage approved an ordinance to rename Chapter 76 as regulations for personal transportation devices and repeal the skateboard chapter, giving the city a code framework to regulate e‑bikes, e‑motos and similar devices.
Waukee's police chief, speaking for staff, said the ordinance provides a framework for an education campaign and an enforcement mechanism if problems persist. The chief explained technical distinctions staff will use in the field: low‑speed e‑bikes (classes 1–3) generally have operable pedals, while e‑motos often do not. “If the answer to that question is no, then it's an e moto, and it shouldn't be out and about,” the chief said. The chief added that the ordinance must be published before enforcement begins; staff indicated publication is expected next Thursday and that officers will emphasize warnings and parent contact, particularly for juveniles, during the initial period.
Council members noted the city may see state‑level changes (possible legislation in a future session) but said a local code is needed now to guide education and enforcement. The council voted to place the ordinance on final passage and approved it.
