BOWMAN, N.D. — The Bowman City Commission convened Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, for its second regular meeting of the month, where it discussed the potential need for an e-bike ordinance with Chief of Police Charles Headley of the Bowman Police Department.
After presenting his activity report detailing seven incidents and 39 calls for service from Aug. 3 through Aug. 16, Headley gave a presentation describing the various types of electric vehicles that the commission may want to put restrictions on. He explained that other communities throughout the state such as Fargo and Bismarck have been enacting their own ordinances to restrict the use of electric bikes and scooters. Headley said it’s up to the commissioners to decide how they want to proceed.
“The state has left it up to municipalities to decide what they want,” he said. “We can be more restrictive than what the state says, but we can’t be less.”
Headley’s presentation began with three types of e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes involve vehicles that are pedal-assist only with a top speed of about 20 mph. E-bikes from this category are allowed where normal bicycles are allowed, including bike paths, trails and roads. Class 2 e-bikes include throttle-assist vehicles that can be propelled by the motor without pedaling.
Chief of Police Charles Headley of the Bowman Police Department presents information regarding e-bikes during the Bowman City Commission meeting on Aug. 18.
Dorvall Bedford / The Dickinson Press
Class 3 e-bikes can reach higher speeds than the previous two classes with a top speed of 28 mph. These vehicles require functioning speedometers and helmets for riders under the age of 18. There is no statewide minimum age requirement to operate class 3 e-bikes, but where they can be used are restricted depending on local laws.
Headley warned the commissioners that officers have received complaints regarding children speeding on sidewalks with their e-bikes, which poses a danger to pedestrians. Commission President Lyn James expressed concern that the class 3 e-bikes can reach speeds of 28 mph when the speed limit on Main Street is 25 mph. Commissioner Cole Benz said he has experienced how fast these e-bikes can go.
“Just going 15 feels pretty fast,” he said. “You might think you can navigate well with it, but I don’t trust myself doing that.”
Headley brought up electric mopeds, describing how they follow the same laws as their gas-powered counterparts. While these mopeds require a driver’s license or specialized motorized bicycle permit, Headley said a motorcycle endorsement isn’t required when asked by James.
“That’s dangerous,” James said. “I think we should add that.”
Headley presented statistics regarding e-bike accidents to the commission. He pointed out that 68% of e-bike accidents resulted in injuries to the head, neck and torso, while 81% of e-bike accidents involved a motor vehicle and only 35% of e-bike riders involved in fatal crashes wore helmets. While Headley said these metrics he found were from a few years ago, he said these numbers could increase with the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
While Commissioner Gene Anne Kulseth was supportive of enacting some restrictions on e-bikes and other vehicles, she also said the commission should be careful to not be overly restrictive.
“We shouldn’t restrict everything that’s good about childhood in a small town,” she said. “As far as having helmets as a minimum seems like a good idea.”
Before enacting any restrictions, the commission will have to draft its e-bike ordinance and hold two readings during its regular meetings. The Commission plans to discuss e-bikes further during its regular meeting on Sept. 1.
Previously a freelance reporter based in Washington, D.C., Dorvall Bedford is from northern Maryland and studied journalism at the University of Maryland. He joined The Dickinson Press in March 2026.
Dorvall’s prior reporting involved covering arts and entertainment in and around Washington, including local music, photography and art exhibitions. He likes to cover events and stories not only because they’re interesting but also to show that oftentimes the least discussed topics can be some of the most important. At The Dickinson Press, he hopes to serve his community by continuing to find the stories that aren’t being told.
Even outside of work, you can always find Dorvall documenting the world around him with a camera in his hands.
Readers can reach Dorvall at (701) 456-1213 or dbedford@thedickinsonpress.com.
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