Use of Motorized Vehicles and Devices
Our city ordinances cover the use and regulation of a wide variety of motorized vehicles and devices. In regards to motorized vehicles such as UTVs, golf carts, and ATVs, please click here for more information and/or to read the ordinance in its entirety. While UTVs and golf carts may be driven on city streets with a city-issued permit, ATVs are not allowed.
Mechanical devices consist of numerous items including e-bikes, electronic wheelchairs, mopeds, scooters, and mini bikes to name a few. A general rule to remember is that most devices with a motor on them require a valid driver's license to operate. The exception to this would be electric bicycles, motorized wheelchairs and electric personal assistive mobility devices.
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist with pedaling. These are considered Class 1 electric bicycles (electric pedal assist bikes) and are considered bicycles for purposes of our ordinances. They are allowed on city streets (not sidewalks), and operators must comply with all bicycle ordinances. Class 2 and Class 3 (throttle bikes) are considered MOPEDs.
Motorized wheelchairs are just what they sound like, and our ordinance does allow the use of motorized wheelchairs. Electric personal assistive mobility devices are defined differently than a motorized wheelchair. Our ordinance also allows for the use of EPAMDs. A valid driver’s license is not required, however, you must be 16 years old to use such a device unless you have a medically diagnosed mobility-related disability which could result in operating one younger than 16.
Electric or gas-powered scooters and devices which have factory-installed seats are considered MOPEDs (motorized cycle) by NHTSA. Our ordinances do allow for the use of these motorized devices on city streets (not sidewalks). MOPEDs must have working headlamps and tail lamps to be operated at night (just like a bicycle), and hand signals are required if turn signals are not installed. A valid driver’s license is required to operate a MOPED.
Motorized standup devices are NOT allowed on city streets under our city ordinance. These devices are defined differently than a MOPED, motorized bicycle, motorized cycle, etc.
Minibikes (electric and gas-powered) are NOT allowed on city streets under our city ordinance. These devices are defined as other motorized vehicles and do not reach the minimum height necessary for safe operation on public roadways.
