Northwest Iowa — Local officials continue discussing growing concerns over e-bikes and electric scooters as the devices become increasingly common across Northwest Iowa.

The Storm Lake City Council recently held a work session to review a draft ordinance regulating e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal mobility devices. Proposed rules would address compliance with traffic laws, speed limits, safety equipment, age restrictions and potential penalties for violations.

Council members pointed to safety as a primary concern, with discussion focusing on riders ignoring traffic laws, a proposed helmet requirement for those under 18 and the importance of public education alongside enforcement efforts.

Similar concerns have surfaced in Spencer. During a recent city council meeting, Councilman Jim Vermeer described witnessing older youths riding an e-bike and e-scooter at speeds approaching 20 miles per hour near younger children in Deerfield Park.

Vermeer suggested cities consider requiring e-bikes and e-scooters to be parked near park entrances rather than allowing them to be ridden throughout park grounds.

Multiple communities across the region continue developing their own approaches to regulating e-bikes and electric scooters as officials work to balance safety concerns with their increasing use.