The purpose of this article is to promote public safety, protect pedestrians, and establish reasonable regulations governing the operation of electric-assisted bicycles and high-powered electric vehicles within the City of Linn Valley.

(Ord. 280)

(a)   Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-Bike)

An electric-assisted bicycle shall have the same meaning as provided by Kansas law and shall be classified as follows:

(1)   Class 1 E-Bike: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and ceases assistance at twenty (20) miles per hour.

(2)   Class 2 E-Bike: A bicycle equipped with a motor capable of propelling the bicycle without pedaling and ceases assistance at twenty (20) miles per hour.

(3)   Class 3 E-Bike: A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only while pedaling and ceases assistance at twenty-eight (28) miles per hour.

(b)   High-Power Electric Motorcycle or Electric Dirt Bike

Any electrically powered two-wheeled vehicle that:

(1)   Is capable of speeds greater than twenty-eight (28) miles per hour under motor power;

(2)   Has a motor rated in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) watts;

(3)   Is designed primarily for off-road use; or

(4)   Is marketed as an electric motorcycle, electric dirt bike, motocross bike, trail bike, or similar vehicle.

Examples include but are not limited to Sur-Ron, Talaria, E-Ride Pro, Rawrr, Ventus, and similar vehicles.

(Ord. 280)

(a)   Class 1 E-Bikes

(1)   Operators shall be at least ten (10) years of age.

(2)   Operators under sixteen (16) years of age shall wear a bicycle helmet.

(b)   Class 2 E-Bikes

(1)   Operators shall be at least twelve (12) years of age.

(2)   Operators under eighteen (18) years of age shall wear a bicycle helmet.

(c)   Class 3 E-Bikes

(1)   Operators shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age.

(2)   All operators shall wear a bicycle helmet.

(d)   High-Power Electric Motorcycles and Electric Dirt Bikes

(1)   Operators shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age.

(2)   All operators shall wear a DOT-approved helmet.

(Ord. 280)

(a)   E-bikes may be operated on city streets and private roads where traditional bicycles are permitted.

(b)   Operators shall obey all applicable traffic laws.

(c)   No operator shall operate an e-bike in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner.

(d)   Operators shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times.

(e)   No person shall operate an e-bike while using a handheld electronic device.

(f)   E-bikes operated between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with:

(1)   A white front light visible from at least 500 feet; and

(2)   A red rear reflector or red rear light visible from at least 500 feet.

(Ord. 280)

(a)   Noe-bike shall exceed fifteen (15) miles per hour:

(1)   On shared-use paths;

(2)   Near the clubhouse grounds;

(3)   Within city parks;

(4)   On trails;

(5)   At beaches, docks, playgrounds, or other designated recreational areas.

(b)   E-bikes operating on roadways shall not exceed the maximum speed permitted by law or manufacturer design.

(Ord. 280)

(a)   High-Power Electric Motorcycles and Electric Dirt Bikes shall not be considered bicycles or electric-assisted bicycles.

(b)   The following areas are prohibited for operation:

(1)   Sidewalks;

(2)   Walking trails;

(3)   Parks;

(4)   Playgrounds;

(5)   Beaches;

(6)   Docks;

(7)   Golf-cart paths;

(8)   Clubhouse grounds;

(9)   Property owned or maintained by the Linn Valley Property Owners Association where motorized vehicle operation is not otherwise authorized.

(c)   Such vehicles may only be operated on roadways if permitted by Kansas law and if all applicable state licensing, registration, and equipment requirements are met.

(d)   No operation shall be permitted between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(Ord. 280)

No person shall ride upon an electric-assisted bicycle or high-powered electric vehicle unless the vehicle is specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.

(Ord. 280)

A parent or guardian shall not knowingly permit a minor child to operate an electric-assisted bicycle or high-powered electric vehicle in violation of this article.

(Ord. 280)

(a)   First Violation-Written warning or fine not exceeding $50.

(b)   Second Violation Within Twelve Months-Fine not exceeding $100.

(c)   Third Violation Within Twelve Months-Fine not exceeding $250.

(d)   Repeated violations involving High-Power Electric Motorcycles or Electric Dirt Bikes may result in impoundment pursuant to applicable law.

(Ord. 280)