Storm Lake’s long debate over e‑bikes, e‑scooters and other fast‑moving devices is about to reach a pivotal moment — and city leaders say it’s time for residents to speak up before the rules are formally written.
At last Monday night’s meeting, the Storm Lake City Council voted unanimously to set a public hearing for Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. on a proposed ordinance regulating electric bicycles, scooters and personal transportation devices.
Police Chief Chris Cole told the council the move simply schedules the hearing, but it marks the first time the public will be able to formally weigh in on the full draft. Council member Maggie Martinez asked the city to “super advertise” the hearing so residents know their input is wanted, not just required by law.
The ordinance is the result of months of work sessions, public forums and revisions — including a packed June input session at Chautauqua Park where more than 50 residents shared concerns about near misses, stop sign violations and kids riding devices too powerful for their age. Since then, council members have spent hours refining definitions, debating helmet requirements and discussing how speed should be regulated on city trails.
The draft ordinance is extensive. It updates Storm Lake’s bicycle code to cover traditional bikes, low‑speed electric bicycles, pedestrian conveyances like scooters and skateboards and higher‑powered devices that fall under motor vehicle rules. It outlines equipment requirements, including lights, brakes and a helmet mandate for anyone under 18. It also spells out where devices can and cannot be used — including restrictions in parks, green spaces and the Central Business District — and sets expectations for “reasonable and prudent” speeds rather than fixed limits on trails.
The proposal also addresses distracted riding, towing, riding with pets and how operators should yield to pedestrians. High‑powered electric mobility devices would be prohibited on city streets and trails, and minors would be barred from operating Class 3 e‑bikes. The ordinance includes a three‑tier penalty system, parent responsibility provisions and an impound process for devices used in violation of the rules.
Council members have not agreed on every detail. Martinez continues to strongly support the youth helmet requirement, saying the state has failed to act. Don Piercy, Jr. has raised concerns about enforcement, parental penalties and whether Storm Lake’s rules should align more closely with neighboring cities. Others, including Richard Riner, have pushed for urgency, warning that waiting for statewide consistency could leave Storm Lake vulnerable if an incident occurs before rules are in place.
Cole has repeatedly emphasized education over punishment, saying officers need clear rules to teach kids and families how to ride safely. He also noted that e‑bikes are legally defined as bicycles under Iowa law, meaning a full trail ban could conflict with state definitions.
The full draft ordinance will be published ahead of the Sept. 8 hearing, which will be held in the council chambers on the second floor of Storm Lake City Hall. Residents will be able to comment before the council takes up the first reading that same evening.
