Sun Prairie sets new rules for e-bikes, scooters and e-motos

Sun Prairie's City Council unanimously approved changes to its traffic ordinance on Oct. 6 covering electric bicycles, scooters and electric motorcycles commonly called e-motos. The measure defines the devices, reinforces applicable traffic rules and gives local police a basis for issuing citations.

People older than 14 can be cited for violations, and parents or guardians may also be cited in cases involving children. A council amendment requires helmets for bicycle and electric-device riders younger than 18.

Sidewalks and e-motos The changes do not impose a general sidewalk ban on bicycles or conventional electric devices. E-motos, however, are barred from Sun Prairie sidewalks and paths. City Transportation Coordinator David Salmon says some throttle-operated e-motos have substantially higher speeds than e-bikes and can fall within state definitions for mopeds or motorcycles.

Salmon said such vehicles would need state registration to operate on roads, yet Wisconsin's Department of Transportation does not currently process e-moto registrations. That creates a practical obstacle to using them outside private property.

Safety concerns Officials point to confusion in advertising and state law, including devices sold as e-bikes despite having different capabilities. Salmon cited scooters capable of 53 mph and e-motos near 70 mph. At a June briefing, pediatric officials described an increase in emergency visits involving children injured while riding electric devices. The source reports 36 visits during April and May 2026 compared with six during the same period of 2025.

Sun Prairie plans to continue education efforts with police and schools while Salmon works with transportation specialists on potential state-law changes covering definitions, speed rules and consumer information.