Novi council eyes strict limits on 40 mph e-motos after child injuries

Two 13-year-olds in Bloomfield Township were critically injured while crossing Telegraph Road on an electric vehicle believed to be an e-motorcycle. A separate incident in Farmington Hills saw a 9-year-old girl struck by an e-moto while exiting her school bus in early October. These events, along with resident complaints, have prompted the Novi City Council to examine regulations for electric two-wheelers.

Mayor Justin Fischer stated that city leaders received numerous emails and heard from residents at meetings regarding safety concerns. He noted that other municipalities are reviewing their own rules, making it prudent for Novi to consider safeguards.

A document from City Manager Victor Cardenas outlines the primary issues: vehicle speed, inexperienced operators, conflicts on sidewalks and trails, and the difficulty in distinguishing legal e-bikes from higher-powered vehicles. The city currently lacks specific ordinances for e-bikes, forcing local governments to create their own varying rules.

The city defines three classes of e-bikes plus a category for e-motorcycles. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph. E-motorcycles, which resemble dirt bikes, can travel up to 40 mph. While some limited regulations exist for e-motos, none apply specifically to e-bikes.

Fischer expressed support for banning e-motos and class 3 e-bikes on all city trails and sidewalks. Speaking at the Oct. 12 council meeting, he said, “The city of Novi is not the kind of place where e-motos make sense.” He suggested users go to private property, larger trails, or farms instead.

Councilman Dave Staudt emphasized that any new ordinances must be clear and specific. He stated, “I think that whatever ordinances that we end up writing need to be very clear, very specific to this purpose, and don’t add a lot of additional burden onto our police officers.”

Councilman Brian Smith argued that speed limits should apply to all cyclists. He noted that many riders exceed 28 or 30 mph on standard bicycles. “You get hit by an e-bike or just a pedal bike, you’re still hit,” Smith said.

Mayor Pro Tem Laura Marie Casey proposed adding requirements for riders to stop at intersections. Councilman Aaron Martinez expressed surprise at the number of adults using e-bikes as primary transportation, citing a community member who commutes to work on one.

Several council members also called for educational programs in schools and scout meetings. Cardenas told the Novi Note on Nov. 3 that he expects to return to the council with a proposed ordinance during the Nov. 23 meeting.