CLIENT ALERT: New West Bend E-Bike Ordinance

Published on

June 10, 2026

Effective June1, 2026, the City of West Bend has adopted a new ordinance regulating the use of electric bicycles (“e-bikes”) within city limits. The ordinance establishes rules for e-bike use on public streets, sidewalks, trails, and other public areas, while also addressing safety requirements and liability for violations.

E-Bike Classifications

The new ordinance defines Bikes, Electric Bikes or ‘E-Bikes’, and ‘Motor Bicycles’ the same as Wisconsin State Law (Wis. Stat. § 340.01).

“Bicycles” are defined as “every vehicle propelled by feet or hands acting upon pedals or cranks and having wheels any 2 of which are not less than 14 inches in diameter.”

“Electric bikes” are classified according to three separate classes:

(a) Class1 E-Bikes provide assistance to riders only when the rider is pedaling. Assistance stops when the e-bike reaches 20 miles per hour.

(b) Class2 E-Bikes may be propelled by the motor without pedaling, but the e-bike will not provide assistance to riders once it reaches 20 miles per hour.

(c) Class3 E-bikes only provide assistance when the rider is pedaling, but the e-bike will stop providing assistance when it reaches 28 miles per hour.

For all classifications, the electric motor must have a power output of 750 watts or less.

“Motor bicycle” is defined as “a bicycle to which a power unit that is not an integral part of the vehicle has been added to permit the vehicle to travel at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour with a 150-pound rider on a dry, level, hard surface with no wind and having a seat for the operator. “Motor bicycle” does not include an electric bicycle.”

General Safety Requirements

Like traditional bicycles, e-bikes must be maintained in a safe operating condition and equipped with any required safety devices. The new West Bend ordinance requires individuals aged 16 or older, or the parent or guardian of riders under the age of 16, to ensure that e-bikes are in “safe mechanical condition” and are legally equipped before they are operated.

Parking Restrictions

E-bikes may not be abandoned or left unattended for extended periods on public streets, sidewalks, or public or private property within the city.

When parking an e-bike, users must ensure that the e-bike remains upright and does not obstruct pedestrian access. Specifically, parked e-bikes may not reduce a sidewalk width to less than five feet, block entrances to buildings or businesses, or be parked between sidewalks and curbs where the available space is less than three feet wide.

Operation of Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Motor Bikes on Sidewalks

General Sidewalk Rules

· Where bicycles or e-bikes are permitted to operate on sidewalks, riders must travel at a reasonable speed, yield the right of way to pedestrians, and exercise due care when passing pedestrians or others lawfully using the sidewalk.

Bicycles

· Bicycles (non-e-bikes) may be operated on permitted sidewalks within the city of West Bend, subject to the general sidewalk rules above.

Downtown and Historic Barton Restrictions

· The ordinance prohibits operating bicycles on sidewalks within the Downtown West Bend Business Improvement District and the Historic Barton Business District.

E-Bikes

· Operation of electric bicycles within the City of West Bend shall comply with all applicable provisions of Chapters 340-351 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which outline the general provisions for vehicles, including, § 346.806, Wis. Stats.

Class3 E-Bike Age Restrictions

o Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 346.806, individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from operating a Class 3 e-bike.

o However, children under 16 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike if the e-bike is built to accommodate passengers

Sidewalk Use

o Riders age 16 and older may not operate e-bikes on permitted sidewalks, except as provided below.

Exceptions

o E-bikes may be used on sidewalks when necessary to access a crosswalk, recreational trail, or parking lot.

o Riders age 16 or older may operate e-bikes on sidewalks that are designated recreation trials, including the Eisenbahn Trail and the Riverwalk.

o Riders under the age of 16 may operate e-bikes on permitted sidewalks, provided they comply with the general sidewalk rules above.

Motor Bikes

· Motor Bicycles may not be operated on any sidewalk in West Bend by any person.

Parental Liability and Property Damage

The ordinance places liability on parents and guardians when a child aged 12 or younger violates e-bike regulations. Additionally, operators, and where applicable, their parents or guardians, may be held liable for damage to public or private property resulting from “purposeful, negligent or illegal actions” involving an e-bike.

ADA Accommodations

For people using a bicycle as an “Other Power-Driven Mobility Device” pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), reasonable accommodations will be made when enforcing the provisions of this ordinance.

Final Thoughts

With the new ordinance, e-bike owners and riders should familiarize themselves with new requirements to ensure compliance with regulations and the safe operation of e-bikes.

Originally published: June 10, 2026