Manitowoc’s Police Chief is addressing a recent ordinance passed that can help with bikes causing issues on city streets.
Chief Nick Reimer explained on WOMT’s Be My Guest program last week that the new bike ordinance, which banned specific bikes, also helps officers keep an eye on e-bikes.
The police chief explains that the e-bikes that are okay to ride on trails and sidewalks are those with electric assistance, meaning they help people by providing a little electric power to pedal with a sprocket.
The e-bikes and electric scooters are allowed on the roads, but the new city ordinance bans electric motorcycles that don’t have a permit and look more like dirt bikes with electric or gas engines.
Reimer says he hopes the ordinance update allows officers to better address the issue and keep the community safe.
The updated ordinance specifically says the bikes not allowed are, “primarily used for transportation or sport, including, but not limited to, gas, or electric motors that are not powerful enough, or too powerful, to meet the definition of a motorcycle, e-bike, or electronic bicycle.”
