Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the E Bikes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chief Kelly: existing rules cover e-bikes; Monroe committee sees no immediate need for new local regulations
Summary
The Monroe Public Safety Committee heard a presentation from police and staff on e-bike classes, trail access, and enforcement. Chief Kelly said state and local bicycle codes already address most concerns and the committee declined to pursue new restrictions.
Monroe’s Public Safety Committee on an unspecified date discussed electric bicycle (e-bike) use in the city and concluded there was no immediate need to draft a local ban or new ordinance.
Chief Kelly, speaking for the police department, summarized state and local regulations and vehicle-class distinctions and told the committee that e-bikes are effectively treated as bicycles under current law. He said one important regulatory distinction is vehicle class: "There are 3 different classes of ebikes and the 3rd class, which is the most has the most motor assist. You can get assistance up to 28 miles an hour, and that's considered a Class 3 and those you have to be 16 to operate." The chief added, "I my belief is they're already regulated." Staff noted the city code adopts state bicycle rules and the department runs periodic bike-registration/sticker campaigns for theft deterrence.
Committee members pressed for practical details and enforcement options. A committee member asked how many e-bikes are in the city; Chief Kelly said he could not provide a firm count and estimated there "may be hundreds." He also said the department has acquired e-bikes for patrol use during local events.
After hearing from staff, the committee did not direct the city attorney to draft new restrictions. One member said routine traffic laws and targeted enforcement would catch the worst offenses; another moved to adjourn, which the chair called and passed by voice vote.
The committee’s discussion also touched on trail access and differences among motorized devices; separate public comments and staff remarks (see related articles) raised health and access benefits and clarified that small motorized play vehicles are treated differently under Wisconsin law.
