City HallThursday, November 5
Owensboro commissioners hear first reading of e-bike and scooter rules
The Daily Owensboro team
If you ride an e-bike or scooter in Owensboro, or have a kid who does, the City Commission is working on rules for you. Commissioners held the first reading Tuesday of an ordinance that would set where e-bikes, electric scooters and similar vehicles can go. It hasn't been adopted yet.
Class 3 e-bikes would get motor help up to 28 mph
Source: The Owensboro Times
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | 20 mph |
| Class 2 | 20 mph |
| Class 3 | 28 mph |
Riders would have to be at least 15 to use them on city streets. On sidewalks, children 12 and younger could ride Class 1 e-bikes or scooters at up to 15 mph, and Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes would be banned there. Anyone younger than 18 would need a helmet.
- First offense: written warning; second: $25 fine
- Third offense: fine up to $100, impoundment up to 30 days
- Parks: Class 1 e-bikes only on Greenbelt and Rudy Mine Trails
- Registration: not required
The proposed e-bike rules by the numbers
- 15
- minimum age to ride on city streets
- 18
- age under which a helmet is required
- $100
- top fine for a third or later offense
- 30 days
- longest impoundment for repeat offenders
Source: The Owensboro Times
Commissioner Curtis Maglinger said constituents are concerned about the park restriction's effect on older residents and people with limitations who can't pedal. City Attorney Mark Pfeifer said commissioners could revisit it. The commission can vote after a second reading later this month.
Sources: The Owensboro Times, Messenger-Inquirer