City leaders say the updated ordinance adds e-bikes to an existing law that already regulates the safe operation of golf carts and bicycles.
NEDERLAND, Texas — The City of Nederland will begin enforcing new rules targeting reckless e-bike use starting March 1, following a surge in complaints from residents.
City leaders say the updated ordinance adds e-bikes to an existing law that already regulates the safe operation of golf carts and bicycles. The move comes after what officials describe as a noticeable spike in e-bike use since Christmas.
Mayor Jeff Darby said the change is intended to give officers clearer authority to address safety concerns.
“Anything to just give the police another tool to try to keep the streets of Nederland safe, and E-bikes were specifically mentioned in an ordinance for the first time, because this is relatively new technology. They seem to have blossomed on Christmas day,” Darby said.
Residents like Sarah Beach say they’ve witnessed close calls on neighborhood streets.
“We’re scared that we’re going to hurt a child, and nobody wants to hurt a child,” Beach said.
She described one incident where she nearly collided with a young rider.
“There has been a time where I was, you know, just driving along, and I was about to make a left turn, and a child comes by on their E-bike on the left side of me,” she said. “I would have hit them.”
Police Chief Rod Carroll said complaints have steadily increased in recent weeks.
“Christmas time, I think 1/3 of all the kids in Nederland got an E bikes, it seems like, and we’ve got nothing but complaints,” Carroll said.
Until now, Carroll said officers have primarily issued warnings. Beginning March 1, that will change.
“You know, we have the right to keep children from hurting themselves. But come March one, we will begin, you know, enforce the ordinance, and that includes issuing citations,” he said.
Under the ordinance, police can cite riders for running stop signs, weaving through traffic, popping wheelies and speeding through school zones at speeds above 28 miles per hour.
Children 17 and younger can be ticketed. Fines can reach up to $500, which parents could ultimately be responsible for paying.
City leaders say the goal is to improve safety without preventing children from enjoying their bikes.
“They’re kids, I think that they should be able to be kids and have fun and ride along,” Beach said.
