What Nicholasville’s E-Bike and E-Scooter Ordinance Means for Riders
Electric bicycles and scooters have become a convenient way to get around, but they can also create safety concerns when they are operated around vehicles and pedestrians.
The City of Nicholasville’s new ordinance establishes rules for using e-bikes and e-scooters on streets, sidewalks and other public property. Here are answers to some of the questions residents may have.
What does the ordinance cover?
The ordinance applies to electric bicycles, electric scooters and similar electrically powered personal transportation devices operated within the Nicholasville city limits.
It establishes age and helmet requirements, rules for where the devices may be ridden, nighttime equipment requirements and penalties for violations.
What is considered an e-bike?
An electric bicycle has working pedals and an electric motor. Kentucky law divides e-bikes into three categories:
- Class 1: The motor assists only while the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance at 20 mph.
- Class 2: The bicycle has a throttle that can propel it without pedaling, but motor assistance stops at 20 mph.
- Class 3: The motor assists only while the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance at 28 mph.
What is considered an e-scooter?
An e-scooter is a two-wheeled device designed for one rider. It has handlebars, a floorboard on which the rider stands and an electric motor.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes.
Children younger than 12 may not operate an e-bike or e-scooter on a public street, roadway, park, trail or other public property unless they are directly supervised by a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult.
In addition, no one younger than 16 may operate:
- A Class 3 e-bike; or
- An e-scooter capable of traveling faster than 20 mph.
Juveniles may operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and e-scooters that do not exceed the ordinance’s age-related limits, provided they follow all other requirements.
Who is required to wear a helmet?
Every rider younger than 18 must wear a properly fitted helmet while operating an e-bike or e-scooter.
The helmet must meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and remain securely fastened while the device is being operated.
Helmets are also strongly encouraged for adult riders.
Can e-bikes and e-scooters be ridden on sidewalks?
In most cases, no.
Riders older than 12 may not operate an e-bike or e-scooter on a sidewalk unless posted signs or another form of City authorization specifically allow it.
A child aged 12 or younger may ride a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike or an e-scooter on a sidewalk in a residential area, but only while under the direct supervision of a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult who is at least 18.
E-bikes and e-scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks in downtown, commercial, mixed-use, industrial or other nonresidential areas unless the City expressly authorizes their use.
What rules apply when a child is permitted to ride on a residential sidewalk?
The child must:
- Yield to pedestrians at all times;
- Give an audible warning before passing a pedestrian;
- Travel no faster than 10 mph—or slower when conditions require it; and
- Slow down near intersections, driveways, crosswalks and other areas where pedestrians may be present.
Can e-bikes and e-scooters be used in City parks?
Generally, no. E-bikes and e-scooters may not be operated on City-owned or City-maintained park property, including:
- Park grounds;
- Walking areas;
- Playgrounds;
- Athletic fields;
- Splash pads; and
- Other recreational areas.
They may be operated in designated public park parking lots only to enter, exit, park or reach an area where riding is otherwise permitted.
The City may establish additional designated areas or restrictions through posted signs.
Can they be ridden on trails?
The City may prohibit or restrict the use of e-bikes and e-scooters on specific trails and other public facilities. Riders should watch for and follow posted signs.
What rules must riders follow on streets?
E-bike and e-scooter riders must follow applicable traffic laws and traffic-control devices, just as other roadway users do.
Riders must also:
- Travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic unless signs or pavement markings indicate otherwise;
- Use a designated bicycle lane when one is available, unless doing so would be unsafe or impractical;
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians;
- Keep at least one hand on the handlebars;
- Travel at a reasonable speed for the traffic, weather, road and pedestrian conditions; and
- Use extra caution around intersections, driveways and crowded areas.
Can a rider use a phone, headphones or earbuds?
Riders may not use a handheld electronic device while operating an e-bike or e-scooter.
They also may not wear headphones or earbuds in both ears. Riders need to remain able to hear traffic, warning signals and people around them.
Can an e-bike or e-scooter carry a passenger?
Only if the device was specifically designed and equipped to carry a passenger. Riders may not carry another person on a device intended for only one operator.
Are tricks and stunt riding allowed?
No. Racing, wheelies, stunt riding, reckless operation and other unsafe maneuvers are prohibited on public property.
What rules apply in school zones?
E-bike and e-scooter riders must:
- Follow posted school-zone speed limits and traffic-control devices;
- Obey crossing guards and school safety personnel; and
- Use additional caution during school arrival and dismissal times.
What equipment is required after dark?
Between sunset and sunrise, every e-bike and e-scooter must have:
- A white front light visible from at least 500 feet;
- A red rear light or reflector visible from at least 500 feet; and
- Side reflectors or reflective material visible from both directions.
Being visible is essential, even on streets where the rider can clearly see the roadway.
Can an e-bike or e-scooter be modified to travel faster?
The ordinance prohibits modifications that:
- Make the device exceed the manufacturer’s rated assisted speed;
- Remove or disable a speed-limiting device;
- Increase the motor’s output beyond the manufacturer’s specifications; or
- Circumvent an e-bike classification or safety requirement.
Manufacturer identification information and serial numbers must remain intact and may not knowingly be removed, altered, hidden or defaced.
Are parents responsible for violations by minors?
Parents and legal guardians may not knowingly allow or authorize a juvenile to violate the ordinance. Parents should make sure young riders understand the rules, have the appropriate safety equipment and are using a device suitable for their age.
How will the ordinance be enforced?
The Nicholasville Police Department and other authorized officers may enforce the ordinance through:
- Courtesy warnings and safety education;
- Written warnings;
- Civil citations;
- Referral for appropriate legal action; and
- Other remedies allowed under Kentucky law.
Fines or other penalties may apply when a citation is issued. Repeated violations or continued disregard of the ordinance may also result in an e-bike or e-scooter being impounded as permitted by law.
What is the simplest way to remember the rules?
Ride in the correct place, follow traffic laws, yield to pedestrians and stay alert. Young riders must meet the age and helmet requirements, and all riders should slow down whenever traffic, weather or pedestrian activity makes it necessary.
The ordinance is intended to allow residents to enjoy e-bikes and e-scooters while making Nicholasville’s streets and public spaces safer for everyone.