Goddard City Council drafting ordinance to regulate e-bikes, e-scooters

GODDARD, Kan. (KWCH) – Goddard is taking a look at the future of e-bikes in the city.

The city council considered the first draft of a city ordinance to regulate the devices on city property. It includes e-bikes along with e-scooters, hoverboards and other devices using an electric motor.

The proposal would require helmets for anyone 17 or younger. It would also make the minimum age 14 to operate the vehicles, and establish a maximum allowable speed limit.

One council member, Cory Dir, agrees regulation is needed, but feels like the city needs to provide more clarity as to what an electric powered device is.

“You know, typically, thing we do every night is my kids like to get in their electric-powered, low-volt, you know, whatever, and we walk with them down the sidewalk to get the mail,” said Dir. “And now that’s illegal. Whether they have a helmet or not. So I’m breaking the law.”

Goddard’s city manager will now take the council’s recommendations and public input to compose a new draft of a city ordinance. The new draft will be presented at the city council meeting on Sep. 8.