(Spirit Lake)– Regulations pertaining to E-bikes and micromobility devices are going on the books in Spirit Lake. The ordinance received final adoption at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. City Attorney/Administrator Gregg Owens says among other things, it establishes a speed limit for the devices and where they’re allowed…
“There are regulations that track with what the state law and most other cities have been doing in terms of being on the street. There is a limitation that such things aren’t allowed on streets that have speed limits over 25 mph, otherwise they’re regulated by the speed that’s on the street. And then on public sidewalks there’s a 10 mph limit.”
There’s also a provision requiring helmets be worn by those in certain age groups.
Owens says the regulations will be in place for the trails and sidewalks under the city’s jurisdiction, and won’t affect those already in place for trails under the jurisdiction of the Dickinson County Trails Board.
He adds the city is in the process of putting together some educational materials that will be made available through a number of means…
“Now that we know what the final provisions are, the city’s going to be putting together, I guess you’d call it a flier or a poster, that provides a ready summary for each type of mobility device, what the particular rules and limitations are, and then the police department’s also going to be working on an informational video for the public and parents and users of those devices.”
Owens says the new ordinance is intended primarily to be an educational and safety tool…
“It’s just a response because the state has enacted certain regulations and as often happens, cities are sort of left to fill in the blanks.”
Owens says there will be good opportunity for awareness and education now with the winter months approaching.
