COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — Idaho is the latest state to remind parents that their kids have to follow the law this summer, when using ‘e-bikes’. Although rules differ from each city, Coeur d’Alene has stricter policies than the state. They’ve started to issue riders warnings, and in some cases, tickets.
The city allows pedal-assisted e-bikes on trails and waterfront areas, but electric bicycles without any pedals are prohibited. Riders found violating the ordinance face warnings or tickets ranging from $100 to $150.
“The police and the code enforcement officers can issue tickets to those people who are not following the rules,” said Shane O’Shea, community trails coordinator for Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation Department.
Signs posted at popular parks and waterfront areas clearly mark the restrictions. The signs state that “no electric motorcycles” are allowed, and that includes, any electric bicycle that does not have pedals.
The city’s approach emphasizes education before enforcement. O’Shea noted that the department has observed both older teenagers and younger children riding non-compliant bikes on city trails.
“We’ve seen older teenager kids, and younger kids on the bikes. And quite honestly, that’s why we push the education part first, more so than the fines. If we get the education out there, we feel perhaps they’ll listen. And then if they don’t, then the fines come into play later,” O’Shea said.
However, there is some grey area. Class Three e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to nearly 30 mph, can be pedal assisted bikes. They can also carry motors that power up to 750 watts. The city is exploring updates to its ordinance in the future, to accommodate the fast-growing technology of the bikes.
Not everyone agrees with the current restrictions. Kai Ritter, a local bike rider, expressed his perspective on the rules: “I don’t think that they should be illegal here. I think they should make their own separate path. And if they go off the path, then that’s illegal. But on the path should be totally fine.”
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