Ordinance 1079 Address Electronic Bicycles and Scooters

The Nevada City Council has passed a new ordinance on bicycle regulations, adding guidelines for electric bicycles, electric scooters, and personal transportation devices.
Ordinance 1079 can be read in full on the City’s website: https://cityofnevadaiowa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/1079-Chp-76-e-bikescooter-addition-update-2nd-read.pdf.
In summary, the new ordinance (which is an amended ordinance) stipulates that everyone operating an e-device is required to follow traffic codes if they’re on the roadway. When on a roadway or in a bicycle lane along the roadway, e-device operators, just like regular bike riders, are to ride single-file, use hand signals for turning, follow other rules of the road (such as stop signs), and if operating after sunset, have reflectors and lights on their device.
E-devices, just like regular bicycles, can utilize city sidewalks and trails, but there are some exceptions. E-devices, like regular bicycles, cannot operate on the sidewalks in the Nevada business district on Sixth Street between I Avenue and N Avenue. You can, however, get off of the ride and walk your device to get to where you are going. E-devices will also not be allowed on the SCORE Park trails in areas near the ballfields, where many activities go on during spring, summer and fall months.
No e-ride can operate above 20 mph on the City’s sidewalk/trail system. This means those operating e-devices that can go faster than 20 mph must be cautious about lowering their speed. It also requires that drivers of devices be aware of areas where speed should be further reduced, such as going around curves.
Public Safety Director and Police Chief Chris Brandes said the new ordinance basically requires riders “to be responsible for where they’re riding and the manner in which they’re riding so that at all times operators are protecting themselves and others.” One of the greatest concerns he and his officers have seen with e-devices this summer is two people riding a device made for one, especially on scooters. “This ‘double-riding’ is not allowed under the new ordinance rules.”
In addition, Ordinance 1079, Brandes said, “clearly establishes a response the Police Department can have if people are not acting in a safe manner.” The ordinance gives officers the ability to impound devices for 24 hours if a person has acted in a reckless manner.
“Our intent isn’t to take [people’s devices] away,” Brandes noted, “but to encourage operators to be safe and not operate devices in ways that could harm themselves or someone else.”