Olathe requires helmets, sets speed limits for e-bikes & e-scooters
Olathe officially adopted changes to its laws regarding the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and “micromobility devices,” with rules like requiring helmets for riders under 18 years-old and new speed limits on sidewalks.
The collection of new rules underwent several rounds of revisions to meet definitions in state law, address resident concerns and create a plan for enforcement, according to city staff.
The City Council unanimously approved the latest revision of those rules Tuesday, after council members earlier this month pressed city staff to add helmet requirements for all e-bike and e-scooter riders under 18-years-old.
Cities across the metro have looked at ways to make riding e-bikes and e-scooters safer following a wave of crashes involving the devices. Olathe becomes the latest Johnson County city to take that step, following the lead of Leawood and Prairie Village.
While violating the new traffic laws can lead to tickets, Olathe Police Chief Mike Butaud said the police department plans to first focus on education. The city is also working with schools, community partners and a social media campaign to inform children and their parents, a city spokesperson said.
“Hopeful to help parents have dialog with their children to improve safety and learn the rules of the road,” said Cody Kennedy, a city spokesperson. “And help when potentially purchasing these items to make an informed decision.”
See new e-bike, e-scooter rules
City staff met with the Olathe teen council in March to go over proposed changes.
Members of the teen council said middle school aged children are the primary users of e-bikes and e-scooters. They suggested the city communicate the new rules and road safety through schools.
Here’s a summary of the changes which are now part of the city’s traffic ordinance:
E-bikes
The proposed ordinance would define three classes of e-bikes to align with definitions in state law.
It would require e-bike users to make sure their bike is properly class-labeled. Adhering to state law, it is illegal for anyone under 16-years-old to ride a Class 3 e-bike.
Bicycle and e-bike users must give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian. E-bike riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet, the updated ordinance states.
E-bikes may be operated on roads with speed limits up to 40 mph. A 15 mph speed limit would be implemented for e-bikes on sidewalks.
E-bikes could be prohibited by official city signage, the ordinance states, “if needed in specific, narrow situations such as special events or to avoid potential dangers.”
E-scooters, micromobility devices
E-scooters will be grouped with motorized skateboards and similar devices into a category in city code called “micromobility devices.” E-bikes are excluded from this definition, and fall under their own category.
Micromobility devices may be used on sidewalks, paths and trails. They cannot be used on most roads, but may be used on roads with posted speed limits up to 30 mph if there is not a sidewalk, the ordinance states.
Users must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on a sidewalk and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian. The speed limit on sidewalks is 15 mph.
Anyone under 18-years-old must wear a bicycle helmet when riding on a micromobility device. The ordinance makes it illegal for the device to carry more people than it was designed for.
If a micromobility device is involved in an accident involving injury or property damage, the rider must provide contact information to other involved parties and report the accident to police.
Micromobility devices could be prohibited by official signage, “if needed in specific, narrow situations such as special events or to avoid potential dangers.”
The ordinance also says parents may not authorize or knowingly permit their children to violate the rules.
Proper lighting must be visible on both e-scooters and e-bikes to ride at dusk or at night.
The ordinance also has a provision stating that, “Parents may not authorize or knowingly permit their children to violate any Olathe bicycle, e-bike, or electric scooter regulations.”
The city of Olathe has a page on their website with a summary of the new rules. People can read the full ordinance online in the municipal code.
