City Council

E-Bikes, Scooters, Skateboards and More...

What is the

New Ordinance?

On Monday, August 17 the Berkley City Council approved the second reading of an Ordinance to amend Chapter 86 and Chapter 106 of the Berkley City Code of Ordinances to provide for the regulation of electric bicycles, electric skateboards/scooters, and bicycles.

The Ordinance will go into effect on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Please prepare accordingly. Click the button below to view the full ordinance. 

Full Ordinance Here
Informational graphic summarizing e-bike ordinance details.

What is Prohibited?

  • Prohibited from riding on Downtown Sidewalks: 

    • Traditional Bicycles

    • E-Bicycles

    • Electric Skateboards/Scooters

    • E-Moto/High Powered Moped Devices* 

  • Prohibited from riding in Parks: 

    • E-Bicycles

    • Electric Skateboards/Scooters

    • E-Moto/High Powered Moped Devices*

    • Traditional (non-electric) Bicycles are permitted to be ridden in Parks

  • Prohibited from riding on all sidewalks throughout the City: 

    • E-Bicycles

    • E-Moto/High Powered Moped Devices*

    • Traditional (non-electric) Bicycles and Electric Skateboards/Scooters are permitted to be ridden on all sidewalks throughout the City

These devices can all be walked on sidewalks and in these areas, but riding is prohibited.

*E-Moto/high-powered moped-like devices may be operated on streets only to the extent permitted by the Michigan Vehicle Code and other applicable state law.

Enforcement Region Map displaying what is considered downtown sidewalks, parks, and all other city sidewalks

Safety is Everyone's Responsibility

Drivers

Pay extra attention to those biking and walking in Berkley. With the new ordinance, it is anticipated that more bicycle traffic will be present on streets, so please share the road!

  • Before turning, check for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Obey the speed limit 
  • Avoid distractions (cell phones, eating, using headphones, etc.)
  • Allow at least 3 feet when passing cyclists
  • Look for cyclists and other passing traffic before opening your door
  • Be careful when passing busses and other stopped vehicles - you don't know what (or who) might be in front of them
  • Do not park in or block crosswalks and bike lanes
  • Do not drive after consuming alcohol or drugs

Cyclists

Set yourself up for success with these tips.

  • Obey all traffic signs and signals
  • Ride with traffic, not against it
  • Wear a helmet - this is required for those under 18 years old on Class 3 E-Bicycles, but is encouraged for all riders
  • Watch for turning vehicles at intersections and driveways
  • Use hand signals to indicate turning and stopping
  • Use a white headlight, a red rear light, and wear bright reflective clothing when it is dark outside
  • Avoid distractions/activities that make it harder to be aware of your surroundings (using a cell phone, listening on headphones, etc.)

Pedestrians

With this potential shift in traffic, it's always good to have a reminder of tips to keep yourself safe while walking.

  • Look left and right and check for any oncoming bicycle or vehicle traffic before crossing a street
  • Cross at designated crosswalks/intersections 
  • Walk on the sidewalk - if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
  • Make sure drivers see you before crossing the street (make eye contact/make sure they're stopping)
  • Wear bright reflective clothing in the dark and in bad weather
  • Avoid distractions (using your phone, wearing headphones, etc)
  • If in an area where biking on sidewalks is permitted, stay to one side of the sidewalk to allow cyclists to pass. 

 

More safety tips are available at SafeStreetsMI.org (click the button below!)

Safe Streets MI
Safe Streets Michigan Informational Graphic with walking, biking, and driving safety tips

FAQs

What is classified as an e-bike?

To qualify as an e-bike, the device must have a seat or saddle for the rider to sit, fully operational pedals, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (or one horsepower). A permanent label noting class type must be included on the e-bike.

What are the e-bike class types?

Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with motor stopping at 20 mph. There is no minimum age requirement per State law, and helmet use is strongly recommended.

Class 2: Throttle-assist, with motor stopping at 20 mph. There is no minimum age requirement per State law, and helmet use is strongly recommended.

Class 3: Pedal-assist only, with motor stopping at 28 mph. Must be at least 14 years old to operate, and riders and passengers under 18 are legally required to wear a helmet.

Is there an age requirement for e-bikes and similar devices?

Per the State of Michigan, there is no minimum age to ride a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike, but riders must be at least 14 to ride a Class 3 e-bike.

Riders must be at least 12 to ride an electric scooter or electric skateboard, and riders and passengers on Class 3 e-bikes under 18 are legally required to wear a helmet.
 

Why is the City regulating these devices?

These devices can travel at higher speeds than traditional bicycles, scooters, and skateboards, which increases the likelihood and severity of crashes when operated on sidewalks. 

Why is the City regulating traditional bicycles?

Traditional bicycles cannot be ridden on sidewalks in downtown Berkley (12 Mile and Coolidge) to preserve these sidewalks for their intended pedestrian use. Downtown Berkley has the most significant pedestrian activity in the City, which is why it has the strictest regulations. 
 

Can my child ride their bike on the sidewalk instead of the street?

Anyone can ride a traditional bicycle on sidewalks other than on 12 Mile or Coolidge. On 12 Mile and Coolidge (downtown Berkley), riders of any age can either walk their bike on the sidewalk or ride with the flow of traffic in the street. All riders must obey the same traffic laws as motorists.
 

Will bike lanes be added to 12 Mile?

12 Mile is not under City jurisdiction because it is a County road. Bike lanes would need to be added by Oakland County.