Waukee weighs stricter e-bike rules that could limit all cyclists
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E-motos, like the one pictured above, can get confused for low-speed e-bikes. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios
Waukee is considering stricter e-bike and e-scooter rules, though some of the city's proposed regulations would also restrict where regular cyclists can go.
Why it matters: Local law enforcement says the rules are needed to stop kids from riding high-powered electric motorcycles, known as e-motos, but cycling advocates worry that the proposed rules could overstep their own rides.
Context: Parents are unknowingly buying their kids e-motos, which are often sold online as e-bikes.
- However, e-motos exceed Iowa's allowable 750 watts and can go over 40 mph. They're not allowed to be ridden by anyone under 16 in the state.
State of play: Ankeny recently passed an ordinance limiting trail users' speeds to 20 mph and prohibiting e-motos on trails, but Waukee's proposal takes things a step further.
- It's seeking to prohibit all cyclists and scooter users (including nonmotorized) from roads if there were a trail, bike lane or sidewalk available. If those weren't available, riders would be expected to remain close to the curb.
- It would also prohibit all cyclists and scooters from riding on roads with speed limits above 25 mph.
Flashback: Some of the proposed rules are similar to those in an "anti-biking bill" that failed to pass this year at the Legislature.
What they're saying: Waukee police chief Chad McCluskey says the additional rules are meant to prevent people from riding on car-heavy corridors, such as Hickman Avenue, University Avenue, Grand Prairie Parkway and Ashworth Road.
- And as for slower connecting roads that people may jump on to get to a trail, McCluskey says there aren't any Waukee roads between 25 and 45 mph.
- "It all boils back to just kind of trying to keep everybody safe and prevent injuries and deaths, especially kids," McCluskey says. "Not having an 8-year-old riding her bicycle down Grand Prairie — I don't think that's good in anybody's mind."
The other side: Kyle Robinson, owner of Kyle's Bikes, acknowledges the city is trying to regulate e-motos, but he says prohibiting all cyclists on roads over 25 mph would create a "lot of disgruntled folks."
- Rose Willey-Farver, board president of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, notes that Waukee is "trying to solve a real issue," but says the ordinance goes too far, instead of just focusing on the high-speed devices.
- "We'd welcome the opportunity to help refine it so it improves safety without impacting responsible cyclists," she says.
How it works: Enforcement would be complaint-based, McCluskey says, because the police department doesn't have resources to have officers waiting on trails.
- Kids who already own an e-moto can use it only on private property, he says.
- The city's first goal is to educate families on allowable devices, safe speeds and handling. As a last resort, those violating the rule would be found to have committed a simple misdemeanor with a $25 fine.
What's next: The Waukee City Council already passed the first reading of the ordinance April 20, and the council is expected to consider a second reading during its Monday-night meeting.
- The ordinance becomes code following three readings.