Nederland city council approves new ordinances targeting e-bikes, golf carts, reckless driving
Published 4:02 pm Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The Nederland City Council approved a series of new public safety ordinances Monday aimed at regulating the use of e-bikes, golf carts, and other nontraditional vehicles on city streets and in parking lots.
City officials said the changes are intended to address a rise in complaints about reckless riding and driving, particularly involving electric bicycles operated by juveniles.
Among the ordinances approved was an amendment redefining the city’s definition of a bicycle to include electric bikes. Police Chief Robert Carroll told council members the existing code had not kept pace with technology, leaving officers without clear enforcement authority.
“These e-bikes can maintain high speeds without pedaling, and we’ve seen riders weaving in and out of traffic, riding at night without lights, and performing wheelies on busy streets,” Carroll said.
Council members cited safety concerns, noting several near-miss incidents involving e-bikes at dusk and after dark.
In addition, council approved new offenses for reckless operation that apply to bicycles, toy vehicles, motorcycles, and golf carts. The ordinances give police the authority to issue citations for unsafe behavior such as excessive speed, stunts, and reckless maneuvering in traffic or parking lots.
Another ordinance expands enforcement options for reckless driving in parking lots, including incidents involving burnouts and donuts. City officials said police previously had limited options to address such behavior unless it rose to the level of a more serious offense.
Council members emphasized the ordinances are not intended to criminalize children but to prevent accidents and encourage parental involvement.
All ordinance amendments were approved unanimously and will take effect following the required publication.
City officials said the Nederland Police Department will continue public education efforts in schools and throughout the community to inform residents about the new rules.
