Council weighs e-bike and motorized-scooter rules, emphasizes education and enforceability

The Dell Rapids City Council held a wide-ranging discussion about motorized scooters and e-bikes, focusing on safety measures (helmet rules, speed limits and daylight-only operation), where devices should be allowed in downtown sidewalks, and how any ordinance would be enforced under the city’s contract with the county sheriff.

City Administrator Steve said the issue has been ongoing since his arrival and cited local models: "We have been since I got here, we've been dealing with motorized scooter and e bike traffic control issues for some time," he said, adding that he consulted with Minnehaha County Sheriff Captain Zyska and reviewed ordinances from Brandon and Madison as examples. Resident David Schmidt urged the council to consider trail interactions and offered technical distinctions used in other states: "They basically have 3 classifications of those vehicles... pedal assist, which is 20 mile an hour max assist... Throttle capable, which is 20 mile an hour maximum... and then the last is speed Pedelec," Schmidt said, pointing to how speed and motor size can shape enforcement decisions.

Council members repeatedly returned to enforceability and education as prerequisites: several warned that creating rules without the ability to enforce them would frustrate residents and staff. Members suggested pairing any ordinance with public education (newsletter and school outreach) and discussing enforcement resources during the upcoming budget process. The council asked staff to draft a proposed ordinance for future consideration that defines vehicle classes and enforcement mechanisms.