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Police: small motorized scooters often illegal; OWI laws generally don't apply to e-bikes
Summary
Chief Kelly told Monroe’s committee that small motorized 'pocket' scooters generally cannot be ridden on public streets in Wisconsin and that OWI/drunk-driving statutes apply to motor vehicles, not to e-bikes classified as bicycles.
During the committee’s e-bike discussion, Chief Kelly distinguished e-bikes from other small motorized devices and clarified enforcement limits.
On small stand-on scooters and pocket motorcycles, the chief said these devices are generally illegal to operate on public streets or sidewalks in Wisconsin and emphasized that "to be honest, they're illegal to have." He explained that those items are not registered motor vehicles and can typically be used only on private property.
Regarding intoxicated operation, the chief said OWI (operating while intoxicated) statutes apply to motor vehicles and therefore "No. Because they're not a motor vehicle" when asked whether a DUI-style enforcement could be applied to e-bikes. He added that officers could use other protective measures if a rider posed a danger to themselves or others.
Committee members heard these distinctions as part of the informational session and did not ask the city attorney to draft changes to local code during the meeting.
