It’s springtime and this means folks are getting outside to enjoy the warmer weather. Hastings Deputy
Police Chief Bryan Schowalter shares e-bike regulations and safety reminders.
“So as weather gets warmer and spring is starting to come upon us, and summers not far behind, we’re starting to see more and more e-bikes on the roadway. So I figured this would be a great opportunity to discuss some of the regulations regarding e-bikes and the rules that the City of Hastings has implemented for e-bikes as well. So, you know, a couple key things to remind you of is the state statute requires that all e-bike riders be 15 years of age or older. Once you are a bicyclist, whether it be an E-bike or a traditional bicycle, you are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists. So, that means stopping at stop signs, obeying speed limits, things like that. Also, it’s very important to know that e-bikes are allowed on the city streets and in bike lanes, on our trails, but they are prohibited from riding on sidewalks. The other thing with e-bikes is that they do have a maximum speed while in our parks and on our trails, which is 15 miles an hour, and then when on city streets, they have to remember to abide by the city speed limits. It is also illegal to a ride with more than one occupant on an electric bike, and they also must yield to pedestrians. And then, of course, the final one, which we see happen all the time is, if you are riding any bicycle, whether it be a traditional pedal bike or an e-bike after dark, you are required to have proper lighting on the bike, and that is similar to what you would expect to see on a motorcycle. So that that means a headlight and a taillight are required while on e-bikes.”
[To listen to the broadcast, click the soundbite.]