By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Bicycling across town used to require a little manual power. Then bikes with electric motors, or e-bikes, hit the market in the 1990s. But only in recent years have the bikes been embraced by the American public, thanks largely to affordable models and higher transportation costs. U.S. sales of the bikes topped $1.3 billion in 2022, and remain the No. 1 growth driver for the bicycle industry in 2026. The city of Hoisington recently adopted regulations, effective Aug. 10, to maximize safety for e-bike users and the pedestrians and vehicles they encounter.
“With the growing popularity of electric bikes and e-scooters, the city felt compelled to acknowledge the benefits of these devices while also recognizing that their improper or unsafe operation may create hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and other users of public property,” the city said in a Facebook post Thursday. “As a result of this, the city found it necessary to establish reasonable regulations governing the operation of electric bicycles, electric tricycles and electric scooters to promote public safety, protect public property and provide clear standards for operators and law enforcement officers.”
The ordinance encourages use of helmets but does not mandate them. The ordinance also prohibits e-bikes and electric scooters on state and federal highways, roadways prohibited by state law, the walking trail at Bicentennial Park, inside the fenced area at the swimming pool, the splash bad, and the walking trail around Clara Barton Hospital.
E-bikes often travel faster than standard bicycles. The new ordinance limits speeds of e-bikes and scooters to speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less. Individuals can cross highways but are not allowed to travel along K-4 or U.S. 281 Highways. E-bikes and scooters will still be allowed on sidewalks unless specifically prohibited by ordinance or official signage. Riders are expected to use reasonable speeds and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Additional rules apply to the vehicles at night. Any e-bike or scooter operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a white light visible from the front, and a red light or reflector that is visible from the rear.
All riders are expected to follow existing traffic rules and avoid reckless or unsafe operation. Violators may be convicted of an ordinance traffic infraction and face a fine not to exceed $250 unless otherwise provided by the law.