The City of Olathe is proposing new changes to its laws regarding the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and “micromobility devices” after public input, and considering ways to inform children of the new rules after adoption.
The new rules have undergone multiple revisions to align with definitions in state law, address resident concerns and solidify what makes the most sense for enforcement, according to city staff.
A summary of proposed changes presented at this week’s City Council meeting shows that the city removed one of the most controversial aspects, which previously said that city signage could restrict e-bikes and e-scooters from certain trails.
“There were concerns raised about some specific language we had there about paths and trails,” Assistant City Attorney Bob Gallimore said at Tuesday’s council meeting.
“Folks seemed to think that we were looking at banning these devices from paths and trails, (but) that was not the intention of the language, so to help clarify that, we just took out the specific language regarding paths and trails,” Gallimore said.
The language removed was, “No electric-assisted bicycle may be operated on any path or trail where official signage indicates that such devices are prohibited or that the path or trail is for pedestrian use only.”
Proposed e-bike, e-scooter rules
Cities across the metro have looked at ways to make riding e-bikes and e-scooters safer following a wave of crashes involving the devices.
City staff met with the Olathe Teen Council in March to discuss new rules. Members of the Teen Council said middle school aged children are the primary users of e-bikes and e-scooters and suggested the city communicate laws and road safety through schools.
Here’s a summary of Olathe’s proposed changes, which the City Council will vote whether to officially adopt as law at its April 21 meeting.
Debbie Lavin of Prairie Village rides her E-bike to meet with a group of riders known as Rif Raf, on Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025, in Prairie Village. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com E-bikes
The proposed ordinance would define three classes of e-bikes to align with definitions in state law. It would require e-bike users to make sure their bike is properly class-labeled. Adhering to state law, it is illegal for anyone under 16-years-old to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
Bicycle and e-bike users must give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian, the updated ordinance states.
E-bikes may be operated on roads with speed limits up to 40 mph. A 15 mph speed limit would be implemented for e-bikes on sidewalks.
E-bikes could be prohibited by official city signage, the ordinance states, “if needed in specific, narrow situations such as special events or to avoid potential dangers.”
E-scooters, micromobility devices
E-scooters will be grouped with motorized skateboards and similar devices into a category in city code called “micromobility devices.” E-bikes are excluded from this definition, and fall under their own category.
Micromobility devices may be used on sidewalks, paths and trails. They cannot be used on most roads, but may be used on roads with posted speed limits up to 30 mph if there is not a sidewalk, the ordinance states.
Users must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on a sidewalk and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian. The speed limit on sidewalks is 15 mph.
Anyone under 18-years-old must wear a bicycle helmet when riding on a micromobility device. The ordinance makes it illegal for the device to carry more people than it was designed for.
If a micromobility device is involved in an accident involving injury or property damage, the rider must provide contact information to other involved parties and report the accident to police.
Micromobility devices could be prohibited by official signage, “if needed in specific, narrow situations such as special events or to avoid potential dangers.”
The ordinance also says parents may not authorize or knowingly permit their children to violate the rules.
A group of bike riders known as Rif Raf, ride through Prairie Village on Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com Council members want helmets
During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Councilman Matthew Schoonover asked if a change could be made in the ordinance to require helmets for e-bike riders, since it requires them for micromobility devices.
“Speaking for me, I know I’m one of seven, but I think that change makes sense,” Schoonover said. “If e-bikes are bigger and heavier and go faster than e-scooters, then I don’t understand why we would require helmets for e-scooters but not necessarily e-bikes and bicycles.”
Councilwoman LeEtta Felter also said she supports changing the ordinance to require helmets for e-bike riders.
Councilman Dean Vakas asked what enforcement of the new rules would look like, once approved by the council. Olathe Police Chief Mike Butaud said that at first, it will involve a lot of education for residents. Then, down the line, tickets could be issued for more serious offenses.
“I can see that for many months going forward there’s going to be a need for educating kids and parents, and we’re going to put a big emphasis on that,” Butaud said. “If it happens to be a major problematic situation then maybe (a ticket would be issued).”
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Kendrick Calfee covers breaking news for The Kansas City Star. He studied journalism and broadcasting at Northwest Missouri State University. Before joining The Star, he covered education, local government and sports at the Salina Journal.
