As electronic bikes and scooters grow in popularity, local governments throughout Sioux County are evaluating how to improve safety with the motorized devices. Hull city council has chosen to focus on public outreach and education instead of passing new ordinances for now.
E-Scooter Safety and Education
During a recent meeting, the Hull City Council debated modifying the town’s existing bicycle ordinance to incorporate electronic scooters and e-bikes. Ultimately, the council determined that implementing new regulations is unnecessary at this time. Hull City Administrator Heidi Kramer noted that the city is instead partnering with the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and the local school resource officer. The goal is to coordinate digital and direct outreach to educate both parents and children on safely operating the vehicles.
Other Sioux County Communities
Sioux Center regulates e-bikes in classes with anything over 750 watts of power or a top speed higher than 28mph not allowed on trails. Additionally, if a bike doesn’t have pedals it is treated like a dirt-bike or motorcycle and requires proper registration and must drive on the roads. Orange City prohibits e-scooters on the sidewalk in parts of the downtown business district. Rock Valley is taking a similar approach to the City of Hull with an education first approach and no new ordinances yet. Hawarden has e-scooter ordinances under which scooters are prohibited from certain streets and portions of the business district except when crossing intersections. Violations can result in scooters being impounded for up to 30 days.
