Jasper Council tables e-bike ordinance, seeks public input

Jasper–Injuries from high-powered electric bikes have prompted Jasper’s Common Council to draft safety regulations, but the proposed rules sparked debate over how much young riders should be restricted.

At least three or four children have been hurt in e-bike and e-scooter crashes in Jasper this year. “We’ve had three or four crashes that I can think of just off the top of my head where kids were injured this year,” Police Chief Chad Dick told the council. He also reported that officers have received many calls about close calls or accidents, but often find that children have left the scene before police arrive.

Councilman Paul Lorey also described a serious incident near city hall. “I’m aware of one incident that happened about a block and a half from here (city hall) where a young man on a bicycle completely blew a stop sign on Seventh Street and Mill,” he said, “and wound up with his femur sticking through his leg.”

The incidents prompted a draft ordinance that would require riders under 15 to take a safety class and obtain a permit, and mandate helmets for anyone under 18. The council postponed a vote, however, after hearing concerns about costs and age restrictions. City Attorney Renee Kabrick warned that more work remained. “I feel like there are going to be quite a few tweaks to be made,” she said before the council voted to table it.

As proposed Wednesday, the ordinance would create a three-step permitting process. Riders under 15 would first obtain a state-issued ID card from the BMV, then bring it to the Jasper Police Department, take a safety class, and get a city permit. Kabrick said some have suggested renewing the permit each year, with police issuing a colored sticker for each year, “much like annual boat permits on a lake.”

Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. The draft also specifies where riders can go, including restrictions in city parks where motorized features are prohibited, though riders can pedal an e-bike manually.

The ordinance does not limit how fast an e-bike can go, but riders must follow posted speed limits and traffic laws.

Mayor Craig invited a scout from Troop 185, who attended as part of the requirements for their civics badge, to come to the podium and speak to the council. Liam Lampert, 12, said he thought the class was a good idea and owns an e-bike capable of traveling about 28 mph. He’s been riding it around town on sidewalks and trails since getting it about two months ago and hasn’t wrecked, he told the council in response to their questions. When asked what the minimum age should be for riding, he said 13.

DJ Ballard, a scout leader attending with Boy Scouts from Troop 185, questioned whether the rules went too far. He suggested 11 as a starting age rather than 13 and worried about costs. “We can overregulate and take away the [ability] for people to do dangerous things smartly,” Ballard said. He also noted the permit and class add “cost on top of cost.”

Councilman Vince Helming said he understood Mr. Ballard’s concern and noted he has a 12-year-old daughter that likes to ride her e-bike in front of their home.

Mayor Ryan Craig defended the safety course requirement. “It’s no different than a hunting class,” he said. “I’ll stand behind the safety class all day for anyone under 15 driving on these roads.”

However, Craig remained reluctant to lower the minimum age below 13, which the current draft prohibits. “I think it’s still open for discussion, but it’s hard to find any data to support these guys riding these these fast bikes under 13,” he said.

Police Chief Dick highlighted an enforcement challenge: state law defines e-bikes as having motors of 750 watts or less, but officers are encountering machines with much more power. “These things are actually motorcycles, but just with an electric motor,” he told the council.

Typical bicycle helmets are not rated for 40 or 50 mph. Without an ordinance, police have no grounds to regulate the vehicles beyond what the state mandates.

“We’re not trying to write tickets to kids,” Chief Dick said, pointing to the safety issues.

The council also discussed how to regulate e-bikes in parks. Park Director Tom Moorman explained that the pedal-assisted feature on the e-bikes can make it complicated to enforce though motorized vehicles are banned. Riders may pedal an e-bike but may not run the motor.

Before moving to table the ordinance, Councilman Phil Mundy said he supported the ordinance’s direction. “As a cyclist, I feel this is a good start,” he said, adding that the rules will need updates as technology changes.

In tabling the ordinance, Craig said he wants the helmet rule to move forward even if other parts take longer. He also noted that the state is discussing its own e-bike and helmet rules.

The ordinance is expected back at the council’s next meeting. Kabrick said the ordinance is “definitely still a draft” and will add public comments to a redlined version, then send it to council members in two or three weeks. Residents can send comments to Kabrick, their district council member, or the mayor.