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Village of Shorewood Hills
Thursday April 2nd, 2026 :: 08:19 a.m. CDT

Community

E-Bikes, E-Motos, and Safety

With warmer weather, we are seeing increased use of electric-powered bikes and motorcycles. While many are used responsibly, we’ve received growing complaints about unsafe operation on shared-use paths and neighborhood streets.

Know the Difference:
E-Bikes (Legal):

  • Must have operable pedals
  • Motor ≤ 750 watts
  • Speed limited to 20–28 mph (depending on class)
  • No license, registration, or insurance required
  • Must follow standard bicycle laws

E-Motos / Electric Dirt Bikes (Not Street Legal):

  • Often do NOT have pedals
  • Capable of higher speeds
  • Typically classified as Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs)
  • NOT allowed on public roads, sidewalks, or bike paths

Safety Concerns Reported:

  • High-speed riding on pedestrian paths
  • Near-misses with walkers and bicyclists
  • Unregistered vehicles on streets
  • Reckless operation

Enforcement Actions:
Officers will be increasing:

  • Education with riders and parents
  • High-visibility patrols
  • Enforcement when necessary

Violations may result in citations for:

  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle
  • Riding in prohibited areas
  • Reckless driving

Reminder to Parents & Riders:

  • No pedals = likely not an e-bike
  • Over 28 mph = not an e-bike
  • Higher-powered bikes may require registration and licensing

E-bikes are a great way to get around, and our goal is safe, lawful use for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our community safe.

Address/Location
Village of Shorewood Hills
801 Shorewood Blvd
Madison, WI 53705

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 608-267-1110

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