The Parish Council approved new regulations for e-bikes, electric scooters and other motorized cycles Monday after amending the ordinance to revise speed restrictions and helmet requirements.
The amended ordinance removes a proposed 20 mph speed limit for the vehicles and instead requires riders to follow posted speed limits.
It also revises helmet requirements based on the type of vehicle. Riders and passengers under 17 must wear helmets while using Class 1 or Class 2 electric-assisted bicycles or electric low-speed scooters. Helmets are required for riders and passengers of all ages on Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, motor-driven cycles and electric dirt bikes.
The ordinance also establishes a maximum $50 fine for violating the helmet requirement. Violations of other traffic regulations can carry fines of up to $100 plus court costs.
The ordinance defines Class 1 e-bikes as electric assisted bicycles that provide motor assistance only while the rider pedals and stop providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes can propel the bicycle without pedaling but also stop providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes provide assistance while the rider pedals at speeds of up to 28 mph.
The ordinance comes as the use of electric bicycles, scooters and similar vehicles has increased in the parish.
Sheriff Greg Champagne said previously that there have been several accidents involving serious injuries and numerous close calls involving the vehicles.
“Drivers are concerned about the manner in which many of these vehicles are being operated by young children,” Champagne said.
The new regulations also restrict cellphone use, including texting and accessing social media, while operating the vehicles.
The ordinance prohibits reckless operation that endangers self, others or property, including riding on one wheel, operation at unsafe speeds, over-accelerating tires, passing too close to pedestrians or holding on to a moving motor vehicle.
The ordinance also addresses higher-speed vehicles. Motorized bicycles, motor-driven cycles, electric-assisted bicycles, electric scooters and electric dirt bikes capable of speeds greater than 28 mph would be subject to requirements including a driver’s license, liability insurance, registration and an approved helmet.
“This is not about taking people’s money,” Champagne said at the council meeting. “We want to try to educate people into safety.”