Council considers minibike and e-bike regulations
Launch the media gallery 1 playerCrete City Council members are considering an ordinance to amend city code adding regulations on E-bikes, minibikes and other motorized recreational transportation and establishing penalties for violations. Ordinance 2279 was approved on the first reading at the July 7 regular city council meeting and can be heard for two additional readings before a vote on final approval and adoption.
The council's next regular meeting is July 21 at 6 p.m. Crete City Council meets regularly on the first and third Tuesdays each month.
Proposed regulations reference state statute and ordinances in other cities including Lincoln and Hastings. The full ordinance is available online (linked above) or at City Hall.
Crete's proposed ordinance addresses specific categories of bikes and motorized transportation based on a number of criteria, including wheel and tire diameter, engine/motor capacity, maximum speed, and pedal-assist functions.
In summary, the categories are:
- Class I E-bike: fully operative pedals; electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and no more that one brake horsepower capable of propelling the bike no more than 20 mph; only provides power when pedaling;
- Class II E-bike: fully operative pedals; electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and no more that one brake horsepower capable of propelling the bike no more than 20 mph; provides power whether or not rider is pedaling;
- Class III E-bike: fully operative pedals; electric motor not exceeding 750 watts and no more that one brake horsepower capable of propelling the bike no more than 28 mph; only provides power when pedaling;
- Minibike: two-wheeled vehicle; wheel and tire diameter less than 14 inches; engine output less than three horsepower; engine capacity less than 2,238 watts; primarily designed for off-road use only; does not include electric personal assistive mobility device
- language also defines motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, and lightweight e-scooter.
Under Nebraska law it is illegal to ride electric or gas minibikes on public roadways and sidewalks and are only to be operated on private property. Crete's ordinance reflects this langue and states "It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a minibike on the public streets, sidewalks, and alleys, or on any property owned, operated, or controlled by the City."
Proposed regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters include guidelines for safe riding, proper operation on roadways, required light and brake equipment, etc.
The proposed ordinance also references prohibited riding on sidewalks with an exception for children: "No person shall ride a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter upon a sidewalk within the business district. No person ten or more years of age shall ride a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter on any sidewalk within the municipality. No person shall ride a class III e-bike on any sidewalk within the municipality. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter on a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right of way to pedestrians."
The full ordinance is available online (linked above) or at City Hall.