Grand Haven City Council approves first reading of amendments to city ordinance concerning electric mobility devices

Amendments include the State of Michigan definitions for e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards, as well as clarification of where they can be operated in the city.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — The Grand Haven City Council unanimously approved a first reading of amendments to the City of Grand Haven Code of Ordinances on Monday night concerning electric mobility devices. 

The purpose of the amendments, according to the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety (GHDPS), is to incorporate current State of Michigan definitions for e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards, as well as to clarify where these devices can be operated in the city. 

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GHDPS said the amendments “will provide consistency with state law, improve public safety, and provide officers with clear enforcement authority.”

The proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinances include changes to Sections 25-40, 25-44 and 36-8: 

Amendment would add the State of Michigan definitions for electric bicycles, skateboards and scooters. 

Amendment would prohibit the use of e-bikes, e-skateboards and e-scooters on the City of Grand Haven’s boardwalk to improve pedestrian safety. 

Amendment to Subsection (b) would prohibit the use of bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, skateboards, e-skateboards, roller skates and in-line skates in these areas:On sidewalks owned by the public along Washington Avenue between Harbor Avenue and Third Street from the last weekend in May through Labor Day every year.Within the 100 block of Washington Avenue whenever the street is closed to vehicular traffic during the same seasonal period.Amending 36-8 Subsection (c) would include e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards wherever bikes and skateboards are currently prohibited. GHDPS said the City of Grand Haven would provide its officers with “clear authority to enforce reckless, careless, or negligent operation of these devices on public property throughout the City.”

“The use of electric bicycles, electric scooters and electric skateboards has increased significantly throughout the City of Grand Haven, particularly in the downtown business district, boardwalk, and waterfront areas. While these devices provide an alternative means of transportation, they also create conflicts with pedestrians in areas of high foot traffic,” GHDPS said. 

The Grand Haven City Council still needs to hold a second vote to approve the formal language for the changes to the Code of Ordinances.