State of Michigan County of Wayne Township of Grosse Ile Ordinance No. 26-02 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 34, “BICYCLES,” OF THE TOWNSHIP OF GROSSE ILE CODE OF ORDINANCES, TO ADD PROVISIONS RELATED TO ELECTRONIC BIKE USE IN THE TOWNSHIP The Township of Grosse Ile ordains: Section 1 of Ordinance. Amendment to Chapter 34. Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances of the Township of Grosse Ile, entitled “Bicycles,” is hereby amended to read as follows §34-1 Definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context indicates a different meaning. BICYCLE A device propelled solely by human power upon which a person may ride, having two or more wheels in tandem or parallel. A bicycle does not include an electric bicycle or moped. ELECTRIC BICYCLE (E-BIKE) A device equipped with a seat or saddle for use by the rider, full operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of not greater than 750 watts that meets one of the following classifications under Michigan law (MCL 257.13e): Class 1: Pedal-assist only; motor ceases to assist at 20 mph. The motor provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and disengages or ceases to function when the bicycle reach 20 mph. Class 2: Throttle-assist capable; motor ceases to assist at 20 mph. The motor may propel the bicycle whether the rider is pedaling or not, disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, and does not propel the bicycle beyond 20 mph. Class 3: Pedal-assist only; motor ceases to assist at 28 mph; speedometer required. The motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and disengages or ceases to function when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. 2 A device that exceeds these statutory limits, lacks fully operable pedal, lacks a seat or saddle, or can be propelled by motor beyond the statutory class limits is not an e-bike for purposes of this chapter. ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD A device that meets all of the following criteria, as defined in MCL 257.13f : It has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding. The floorboard is no more than 60 inches long and 18 inches wide. It is designed to transport only one person at a time. It has an electrical propulsion system with no more than 2,500 watts of power. It has a maximum speed of 25 mph on a paved, level surface. It may have handlebars (not required). It may also be powered by human propulsion in addition to the electric motor. For purposes of this chapter, “electric skateboard” includes a stand-up electric scooter, when the device otherwise meets MCL 257.13f. MOPED A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with a motor not exceeding 100 cc piston displacement, or an equivalent electric motor as provided by state law, a maximum speed of 30 mph, a power drive system that does not required the operator to shift gears, and meeting the definition in MCL 257.32b. Mopeds require state registration and a moped license or valid operator’s or chauffer’s license for operators under Michigan law. OTHER POWER-DRIVEN MOBILITY DEVICES (OPDMDs) OPDMDs are any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel or other engines – whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities – used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion. Nothing in this chapter is intended to deny a reasonable accommodation required by the American s with Disabilities Act; however, OPDMD use may be subject to safety requirements required by law. OPERATOR A person who rides, uses, or controls a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric scooter, or moped. SHARED-USE PATH / BICYCLE PATH A path physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and designated for use by bicycles, electric bicycles, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users. SIDEWALK A paved or improved pedestrian walkway, generally 4-6 feet in width. The sidewalk is primarily intended for pedestrian travel. § 34-2 Compliance required. 3 A. No person shall operate a bicycle, electric bicycle, or electric skateboard/ scooter (collectively referred to as “permitted devices”) upon any of the public roadways, sidewalks, shared-use path, or other public place within Township, except in compliance with this chapter and applicable Michigan law; provided, however, that the provisions of this chapter shall not apply to OPDMDs as defined herein except to the extent neutral safety rules may lawfully apply. B. Operators of permitted devices shall dismount when directed by a police officer or when necessary to avoid an unsafe condition. C. No operator shall operate a permitted device in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner that endangers or is likely to endanger and person or property. § 34-3 Parental responsibility. It shall be unlawful for the parent of any minor to fail to exercise reasonable parental control over the minor which results in the minor violating any section of this chapter. A parent or guardian shall not knowingly permit a minor to violate any provisions of this chapter. § 34-4 Applicable regulations. A. Operators of bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric skateboards/scooters shall have all rights and be subject to all duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle under Michigan law, except where such provisions cannot reasonably apply. B. Mopeds shall be operated in accordance with the Michigan Vehicle Code and are not considered bicycles for purposes of this chapter. C. A device other than a permitted device or OPDMD shall not be operated on a public roadway, sidewalk, shared-use path, park, or other public place unless operations is otherwise authorized by state law or Township ordinance. § 34-5 Restrictions on use and operation. A. Operators shall ride only upon a permanent and regular seat or saddle, where the permitted device is designed with a seat or saddle, and shall not carry more persons than the permitted device is designed to accommodate. B. Operators of permitted devices on a roadway shall ride as near to the right side as practicable, except when turning left, passing, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely. C. Use of Shared-Use Paths. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and electric skateboards/scooters may operate on shared-use paths unless otherwise posted. Class 3 electric bicycles are prohibited on shared-use paths unless specifically 4 permitted by Township signage. Mopeds are prohibited on shared-use paths unless specifically authorized by state law and Township signage. D. Sidewalk Use. (1) Bicycles, Class 1 e-bikes, Class 2 e-bikes, and electric skateboards/scooters shall operate at a reasonable and safe speed on sidewalks unless posted otherwise. Operation shall be a reasonable speed for pedestrian conditions and shall not be an unreasonable speed when pedestrians are present. (2) Operators must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking on the left. (3) Class 3 electric bicycles and mopeds are prohibited on sidewalks. E. Operators shall not attach themselves or their device to any moving vehicle. F. Operators walking their device are considered pedestrians and must follow pedestrian rules. § 34-6 Age and helmet requirements. A. No person under the age of seven years shall operate a bicycle upon any public roadway in the Township but such person under seven years of age may operate a bicycle upon the public sidewalks, private driveways, or upon or in other places or places open to the public in the Township which are not utilized by vehicular traffic. Persons between the ages of seven and 10 years may operate a bicycle on all public roadways within the Township with parental consent. A person under seven years of age may operate a bicycle on a public roadway only under the direct supervision of an parent, guardian, or responsible adult. B. Electric Skateboard/Scooter. No person under age 12 shall operate an electric skateboard/scooter on a roadway unless under the direct supervision of an adult or guardian (House Bill 5391). C. Electric Bicycles. No person under age 14 shall operate a Class 3 electric bicycle. A person under age 14 may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike only if the e-bike is designed to accommodate passengers. D. Helmets. A person under 18 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike shall wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet that complies with application Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) safety standards. A person under 19 years of age operating an electric skateboard/scooter or moped on a public thoroughfare shall wear an approved crash helmet as required by Michigan law. 5 E. Mopeds. No person under age 15 may operate a moped, and all operators must comply with state licensing, registration, helmet, equipment and roadway requirements. §34-7 Speed limits. A. No person shall operate a permitted device on a sidewalk or shared-use path at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper under conditions or in excess of 15 mph unless otherwise posted. B. Class 3 e-bikes shall not exceed 28 mph with motor assistance. C. No operator shall operate at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent for the conditions, including pedestrian traffic, surface conditions, weather, visibility, and the presence of intersections or driveways. §34.8 Parking and obstruction. No person shall park or leave a bicycle, electric bicycle, or electric skateboard/scooter in a manner that obstructs pedestrian travel, ADA ramps, building entrances, or vehicular traffic. Permitted devices may be removed or relocated by the Township when reasonably necessary to eliminate an obstruction or hazard. 6 §34-9 Trail and park restrictions. The Township prohibits the use of electric bicycles, electric skateboards/scooters, or mopeds on unpaved trails, nature areas, or environmentally sensitive locations. §34-10 Penalty. Any person who pleads or is found responsible for a violation of this chapter shall be liable for a municipal civil infraction. The penalty for violation of this chapter is provided in Chapter 1, Article II, of this Code. Section 2 of Ordinance. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. All resolutions, ordinances, or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed. Section 3 of Ordinance. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, the invalidity or unconstitutionality of such section, paragraph, clause, or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance. Section 4 of Ordinance. Publication. This Ordinance or a summary of this Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township of Grosse Ile within fifteen (15) days after its adoption. Section 5 of Ordinance. Effective date. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication, as provided by law. 7 ENACTMENT This ordinance is declared to have been enacted by the Board of Trustees of the Township of Grosse Ile at a meeting duly called and held on the 8 th day of June, 2026. Ayes: 5 (Supervisor Porcarelli, Treasurer Flavin, Trustees Shelton, Heil and Bartlett) Nays: 1 (Trustee Mills) Abstentions: 0 Absent: 1 (Clerk Yager) Certification STATE OF MICHIGAN ) ) ss. COUNTY OF WAYNE ) I, the undersigned Clerk of the Township of Grosse Ile, Wayne County, Michigan, do certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of the ordinance adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Township of Grosse Ile at a meeting held on the 8 TH day of June, 2026, the original of which is on file in my office. GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP ________________________________ By: Jamison Yager Township Clerk Adopted: June 8, 2026 Published: June 17, 2026 Effective Date: July 2, 2026
