Ellis Police Department
On Feb. 16, Ellis City Council passed Ordinance 1504, permitting the use of Electric Scooters and Electric Bicycles in the city of Ellis.
In this post, you will find the ordinance's full text, a quick breakdown of what is and isn't allowed by this ordinance and other regulations that were included in the ordinance.
What is allowed:
• Operation of electric scooters and electric bicycles on any street, highway, sidewalk, or roadway and on designated bicycle and multi-use paths within the city of Ellis.
Restrictions and requirements:
• Operators younger than 16 must wear helmets when operating an electric scooter or electric bicycle.
• Operators must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and operate in a safe manner that does not endanger others or property. Operators must also issue an audible signal before overtaking pedestrians on sidewalks.
• When operating on a roadway and traveling slower than traffic, riders must travel as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable.
• Electric scooters and electric bicycles may not be operated on streets with a speed limit of 40 mph or greater.
What is not allowed:
• Operating an electric scooter or electric bicycle between dusk or 9 p.m. (whichever is earlier) and sunrise, even if equipped with a headlight or reflectors.
• Operating an electric scooter or electric bicycle at speeds greater than 20 mph.
• Carrying more persons than the electric scooter or electric bicycle was designed for.
• Attaching yourself or your electric scooter or electric bicycle to another moving vehicle.
• Operating an electric scooter or electric bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Parking restrictions:
• Electric scooters and electric bicycles may not be parked in a manner that blocks pedestrian travel or creates a traffic hazard.
• Electric scooters and electric bicycles may not be parked in areas such as bus stops, loading zones, handicapped parking spaces, curb ramps, driveways, parking spaces, traffic lanes or building entrances.
Our community members are encouraged to review the full text of the ordinance accompanying this post. The goal of this ordinance is to allow electric scooters and electric bicycles to be used while promoting safe operation for riders, pedestrians and motorists alike. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these regulations before riding. Parents are also encouraged to review these rules with their children.
The Ellis Police Department’s top priority will always be the safety of children and our community, and that priority applies to this ordinance as well. Our approach will be education before enforcement.
If you'd prefer to have a physical copy of this ordinance to keep for yourself instead of having to refer back to this post, please stop into the city offices at 815 Jefferson St., and we will make a copy of the ordinance for you.
-Chief Smith