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North Las Vegas bans high-speed electric motorcycles, tightens e-bike and e-scooter rules
Summary
By ordinance No. 3,275 the council amended city code to add definitions for electric bicycles and scooters, prohibit electric motorcycles (devices exceeding 28 mph without operable pedals), require helmets for minors, set civil-infraction fines, and restrict e-bikes/e-scooters in parks and near playgrounds. City attorney said the changes align with neighboring jurisdictions.
The North Las Vegas City Council voted May 20 to adopt Ordinance No. 3,275, updating municipal code to regulate electric bicycles, electric scooters and to prohibit higher-speed electric motorcycles on city streets, sidewalks, and city parks.
City Attorney Andy Moore gave the overview of the ordinance and walked the council through key provisions: the city adds definitions for e-bikes (including class distinctions up to 28 miles per hour) and e-scooters; it explicitly prohibits electric motorcycles (devices without operable pedals that exceed 28 mph); it prohibits e-bikes and e-scooters on sidewalks unless signage permits them; and it restricts e-bike/e-scooter use on sports courts, skate parks and within 100 feet of playgrounds or splash pads.
Moore also explained an enforcement structure that shifts violations from criminal penalties to civil infractions with scaled fines: $150 for a first infraction, $300 for a second, and $600 for subsequent violations. The ordinance makes parents and guardians responsible for paying civil infractions for minors and requires helmets for anyone under 18 operating an e-bike or e-scooter. "We've added language to prohibit reckless behavior and to give police clearer enforcement guidance," Moore said.
Council members emphasized safety concerns and enforcement near schools. One council member described seeing young riders traveling at unsafe speeds and welcomed language distinguishing e-bikes from e-motorcycles. The ordinance preserves the ability for e-bikes and e-scooters to use city-owned trails that are designed for bicycles while adding targeted park-area limits for safety.
The council moved to approve the ordinance and the motion passed. Council members noted they expect further discussion at the state legislative level on these technologies, but said the local ordinance aligns with the actions of neighboring jurisdictions to address community safety.
