ASHWAUBENON — In what could become a model for other communities, the village of Ashwaubenon outside of Green Bay has adopted an ordinance regulating electric bicycles, electric scooters and similar vehicles.
Important updates for all riders in the village:
- Registration required: All electric bicycles must be registered with Public Safety (one-time fee + registration tag), like traditional bicycles.
- Safety first: Children under 16 MUST wear helmets when riding bicycles, electric-bicycles or electric scooters.
- Electric-scooter rules:
→ Must follow the rules of the road,
→ Prohibited on roads with speed limits over 30 mph (unless a bike lane is present).
→ Prohibited on Oneida Street and Holmgren Way.
→ Rental scooters are prohibited in the village. - Sidewalks & Trails: Bicycles, electric bicycles and electric-scooters are permitted on sidewalks/trails, however, users must exercise due care, and yield to pedestrians and signal when passing
- Not all electric-powered bicycles or scooters sold today meet Wisconsin’s legal definitions. Only those that meet the specific requirements under state law are allowed to be operated in the village. Devices that fall outside those definitions are not permitted for use on public roads, sidewalks, or trails.
Violations of the ordinance are subject to enforcement through warnings, citations and fines.
Enforcement will vary based on the age of the individual and the severity of the offense. The ordinance also outlines parental responsibility for minors.
“With the growing use of electric scooters and bicycles, this ordinance updates our local rules to align with state law and provide clear guidance for how these devices should be used in public spaces,” said
Village Manager Joel Gregozeski. “It’s important that both users and parents understand the rules of the road and follow all applicable laws.”
The Village of Ashwaubenon is now one of the few municipalities that require individuals under age 16 to wear helmets while bicycling or using an electric scooter.
“It’s about keeping people safe—especially
kids—and making sure shared spaces like streets, sidewalks, and trails are used responsibly and respectfully,” said Village President, Mary Kardoskee.
