Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council updates e-bike and scooter ordinance to align with state classes, licensing
Summary
Police Chief Bump presented updates to the city's e-bike and scooter ordinance to align definitions with state law, maintain bike licensing, and add parental-responsibility language; council approved the first reading to move toward final adoption.
Police Chief Bump explained that the city's existing e-bike ordinance was drafted early in the technology’s adoption and needed updates to align with state law and current class definitions (class 1, 2 and 3). He said the draft clarifies licensing requirements, adds parental-responsibility language, and adopts consistent class definitions to support enforcement and public education.
Chief Bump cited recent data referenced in a municipal magazine article indicating a substantial increase in e-bike injuries reported by Madison hospitals between 2024 and 2025. He also outlined the citation schedule (example: $10 base citation plus court fees that can raise the total) and said the ordinance sets a minimum age restriction for class 3 e-bikes (no operation under age 16). "So a class 3 electric bike is a bike that goes a little bit faster than the rest of them...it can go up to 28 miles per hour," Chief Bump said.
Council discussed helmet requirements (the draft does not impose a new helmet mandate), how trail signs are largely advisory under state law, and whether speed limits could be set on bike trails. The council voted to perform the first reading and directed preparation for a second reading on Aug. 18; the motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: City staff will finalize ordinance language and present it again on Aug. 18.
