Novi residents who use the city’s 200-plus miles of pathways and sidewalks could soon see new rules for e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
City Manager Victor Cardenas told the Novi Note on Nov. 3 that he expects to bring a proposed ordinance to the Novi City Council at its Nov. 23 meeting. The proposal is expected to address electric bicycles and e-motos on city trails and sidewalks.
Mayor Justin Fischer outlined his preferences during the council’s Oct. 12 discussion, according to the meeting minutes.
Fischer supported restricting Class 3 e-bikes from city trails and bike paths and called for stronger enforcement of existing laws governing e-motos. He opposed restrictions on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, saying cyclists can reach comparable speeds by pedaling.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes provide motor assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 provides pedal assistance up to 28 mph, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources guidance. E-motos are higher-powered motor vehicles, not an additional e-bike class.
Residents pushed for action
At the Sept. 28 council meeting, resident Michelle Duprey described feeling unsafe on the ITC Trail and urged officials to act before someone was seriously hurt, according to the meeting minutes.
Duprey said a Novi police lieutenant had told her the city received numerous complaints about e-bikes and e-motorcycles.
At the Oct. 12 meeting, resident Ginger Barrons urged caution. She described safety seminars she said bike shops offered at Traverse City events and encouraged education before new restrictions. She also worried that an ordinance could push riders into the street.
Enforcement concerns
Councilman Dave Staudt said officers need clear authority to address problems involving young riders without being assigned a broad new bicycle-patrol responsibility, according to the Oct. 12 minutes.
Councilman Brian Smith said any standard requiring a reasonable speed for conditions should apply to pedal bicycles as well as e-bikes. He noted that experienced cyclists can exceed 28 mph without a motor.
Cardenas told the council that the Ordinance Review Committee had discussed the issue and received information from the city attorney and Public Safety Department.
Other communities have adopted restrictions
Bloomfield Township announced a six-month moratorium affecting riders under 16 on township property and rights of way, with exceptions for electric bicycles explicitly allowed under state law.
Berkley prohibits riding e-bikes and e-motos on sidewalks and in parks. Electric scooters and skateboards remain permitted on sidewalks outside downtown, although they are prohibited in parks.
What happens next
City Attorney Thomas Schultz said the proposed Novi ordinance would go through first and second readings and a public hearing, according to the Oct. 12 minutes.
Cardenas’ anticipated Nov. 23 presentation is not confirmation that a public hearing will take place that night. Residents can check the city’s agendas for the proposal and any hearing notice.
