Fayetteville City Council moved to address growing safety concerns on the city’s sidewalks and multi‑use trails by proposing an ordinance that would bar high‑speed electric vehicles from these public pathways. The measure, introduced by Mayor Molly Rawn and Council Member Sarah Bunch during Tuesday’s agenda session, targets electric motorcycles, high‑power e‑bikes and similar devices that exceed 750 watts and can travel faster than 28 miles per hour.
What the ordinance would cover
The proposed rule defines “high‑speed electric devices” as any electric‑propelled vehicle that meets both the power and speed thresholds. Pedal‑assist e‑bikes that stay below 750 watts and operate at lower speeds would be exempt, preserving the city’s support for those popular, low‑impact modes of transportation.
Mayor Rawn emphasized that the intent is not to discourage e‑bike use, but to treat fast‑moving electric motorcycles the same way the city already regulates gasoline‑powered motorcycles. “These are a different category. They are much more similar to a regular gas‑powered motorcycle, and that’s how they need to be treated and regulated,” she said.
Public‑safety rationale
Recent incidents involving children and teenagers have spurred the council’s action. Rawn noted that riders as young as 12 have been seen on high‑speed electric devices, raising concerns about parental awareness and the adequacy of existing safety measures. The ordinance would still allow these vehicles on city streets, provided the operator is at least 16 years old and, if under 21, wears a helmet.
Local residents who use pedal‑assist e‑bikes also voiced worries about the faster machines. Fayetteville resident Erik Jakobs said he frequently sees the high‑speed devices traveling “a lot faster than everybody else on the trail,” estimating they can reach 45 miles per hour. Sam Johnson added that the powerful throttles “dig ruts in the dirt, which is damaging the trail, and it causes erosion,” urging the city to enforce stricter rules.
Next steps
No vote was taken during the Tuesday session. Mayor Rawn indicated that council members will return to the ordinance at their November 5 meeting, where a decision is expected. If adopted, the city will need to develop enforcement guidelines and possibly coordinate with the Fayetteville Police Department and the Arkansas Department of Transportation to ensure compliance.
Community impact
Supporters argue the measure protects families and preserves the integrity of the Razorback Greenway, a beloved recreational corridor that draws cyclists, joggers and walkers. By limiting high‑speed electric vehicles to roadways, the city hopes to reduce accidents, protect the trail’s surface, and maintain a safe environment for all users.
Critics, while not quoted in the council meeting, may view the restriction as an overreach that could limit personal liberty for responsible riders. The council’s decision will likely balance public‑safety priorities with the desire to keep Fayetteville’s streets and trails accessible to a broad range of transportation options.
Mayor Rawn concluded, “We certainly don’t want to discourage e‑bikes. These that we are seeing are in a different category, and we need to treat them responsibly for the safety of our children and the preservation of our trails.”
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
