Bentonville city leaders are set to convene on Tuesday to debate a new ordinance that would ban electric vehicles with motors larger than 750 watts from public sidewalks and trail systems. The proposal targets high‑power e‑bikes and scooters that can reach speeds well above the 28‑mph limit for federally regulated Class 1, 2, and 3 e‑bikes.
What the ordinance would cover
The draft ordinance would prohibit any gas‑powered or electric vehicle that exceeds 750 watts of power from being ridden on city sidewalks, paved trails, or mountain‑bike paths. Vehicles that fall within the existing Class 1, 2, or 3 categories – limited to 750 watts and a top speed of 28 mph – would remain permitted.
Local business owners weigh in
“Class 1, 2 and 3, those are all federally regulated classes,” said Dylan Pilgrim, owner of OZ Suspension Solutions in Bentonville. “They are limited to 750 watts of power and no more than 28 miles an hour. These higher‑powered machines actually fall outside of the currently listed classes for what we consider e‑bikes.”
David Pilgrim, who runs E‑Bike Bentonville rentals with his brother, echoed the safety concerns. “If you have anything that will provide boost or assist over 20 miles an hour, those are not allowed on any of the paved trails or the mountain bike trails,” he explained. He added that the higher‑powered vehicles “really cross that threshold into being a motorcycle that’s operated on the road,” and that the rapid rise in their popularity has left regulators scrambling to keep pace.
Safety worries from parents
Both Pilgrims emphasized that many of these vehicles are being purchased for children. “The biggest thing is just parents being aware of what they’re buying for their child before they make the purchase,” said Dylan Pilgrim. “Once it exceeds that 750 watts, it could be a 1,000‑watt motor and maybe it can top out around 30 miles an hour, or it could be a 4,000‑watt motor and it can go 60, 70, 80 miles an hour in some of these cases.”
City council documents confirm that multiple departments have already received complaints about high‑speed electric vehicles sharing trails with pedestrians and families.
Regional context
Bentonville is not alone in addressing the issue. Last week, the Fayetteville City Council voted unanimously to ban the same class of high‑power electric vehicles from its sidewalks and trails, signaling a growing regional focus on pedestrian safety.
Next steps
The Committee of the Whole and the full city council will review the ordinance on Tuesday. If passed, the ban would take effect later this year, giving residents a clear timeline to adjust their equipment or seek alternative transportation options.
Community members who wish to comment on the proposal are encouraged to attend the meeting or submit written feedback to the city clerk’s office before the scheduled vote.
Original reporting: 40/29 News KHBS Fort Smith (local) — read the source article.
