FAIRHOPE — Fairhope City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance Thursday, April 23, implementing new rules and restrictions on electric riding devices such as electric bicycles (e-bikes) and scooters.
The new ordinance comes after complaints and reports of reckless behavior from some riders, such as juveniles popping wheelies and pedestrians being run off sidewalks. It was first introduced during a city council meeting on April 13, where the council discussed an incident involving a young boy who collided with a vehicle while riding an e-bike, which resulted in him being taken to Thomas Hospital after complaining of neck pain. The ordinance was laid over until the next meeting, during which city council approved the measure without dissent.
The new measure implements tighter restrictions on electric mobility vehicles within city limits, specifically naming electric riding devices such as e-bikes, electric motorized boards and motorized scooters. The measure establishes clearer operating standards and allows the city to designate no-ride zones and establish speed limits in high-traffic areas, with riders facing fines for violations such as speeding, riding against traffic, failing to yield or operating a device in an unsafe manner. Police would also be authorized to confiscate devices used dangerously. The ordinance would also require riders under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. First-time violations would start at $250, with higher fines for repeated violations.
The ordinance excludes wheelchairs or other power-driven mobility devices used by people with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).