The City Commission in East Grand Rapids approved updates to city ordinances on Apr. 17 to address the growing use of electric scooters, electric bikes, and other micromobility devices in the community.
The changes aim to modernize local regulations by providing clear definitions, operating rules, parking standards, and helmet requirements for younger riders. City officials say these updates are intended to improve safety and make it easier for residents and visitors to understand the rules regarding new forms of transportation.
“The safety of our community is at the forefront of these ordinance changes,” East Grand Rapids Public Safety Director Ric Buikema said. “These updates make it easier for residents and visitors to understand the rules of the road for electric scooters, electric bikes and other micromobility devices, as well as play a role in keeping East Grand Rapids safe for everyone who uses our streets and paths.”
Under the updated ordinances, micromobility devices are defined as any device meant to carry one rider or operator that is powered by either human effort or an electric motor but does not require state licensing or registration. This includes unicycles, tricycles, Segways, skateboards (including motorized), rollerblades, hoverboards, standup scooters (electric or otherwise), sit-down scooters (electric or otherwise), and similar devices.
Operators must follow traffic signals and police directions; keep at least one hand on handlebars if equipped; limit passengers according to design; operate at a reasonable speed; ride no more than two abreast on roadways; ride single file on sidewalks; yield to pedestrians; give audible signals when passing; park upright in designated areas without blocking pedestrian traffic. Riding is prohibited on certain sidewalks within Gaslight Village or where restricted by signage.
Safety equipment requirements have also been established: night operation requires a front lamp and rear reflector while all devices must have brakes capable of skidding a braked wheel on dry pavement. The ordinance prohibits attaching devices to vehicles, restricts riding on private property without permission, requires reporting some crashes involving these devices, and maintains existing bike registration requirements.
The city’s helmet rule now applies broadly: anyone under 18 must wear a protective helmet when operating or riding any bicycle or micromobility device on public roads or paths.
“These changes bring our ordinances in line with today’s transportation landscape, helping create a safer, more predictable environment for everyone on our roads,” Mayor Katie Favale said. “As new mobility options emerge, it’s essential that our local regulations evolve alongside them to support responsible travel in East Grand Rapids.”
