Nichols Hills residents who choose to ride their electric, gas powered, or other power sourced motorized vehicle on city sidewalks and park trails will now face an up to $260 fine after the city council unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting such activity.
The ordinance becomes effective immediately.
“The growing presence of e-bikes on pedestrian trails presents significant safety risks for pedestrians particularly those who rely on these spaces for recreation or mobility,” said Nichols Hills Mayor Steven Goetzingter. “With their speed and quiet operation, e-bikes can easily catch walkers and joggers off guard, leading to accidents that might have been preventable.
“We feel this ordinance protects vulnerable trail users and helps ensure that the trails remain safe and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.
City Manager Shane Pate said he is aware of a couple or residents who have reached out to complain of nearly being run over by e-bikes on the city’s park trails.
“In November, one resident even forwarded me an article from The New York Times regarding the dangers of e-bikes,” said Pate, “so it appears to be on the minds of several of our residents.”
City officials say most recent estimates identified 26,000 feet of sidewalks and park trails, or 4.9 miles, in Nichols Hills. The numbers have increased since the addition of trails in Love Family Park and Redbud Park, and Westminster Park.
This prohibition includes electric-assisted bicycles; electric scooters; electric personal assistive mobility devices (commonly referred to as segways); golf carts; low-speed electric vehicles; motorcycles; motor-driven bicycles, including mopeds; motorized bicycles; motorized scooters; and motorized skateboards.
The new 0rdinance does not apply to individuals with mobility disabilities using power-driven mobility devices, vehicles used by the city in its operations, vehicles operating during city-sponsored events with city permission, or emergency vehicles.
Guidance for e-bikes on trails was a stated goal for 2025 in the city’s Sustainability Plan.
