Neb. (KSNB) — Parents and residents on both sides of the e-bike and e-scooter debate brought their concerns to the Hastings City Council during an Oct. 19 work session, nearly a year after the city first regulated the devices
While some parents advocated keeping e-bikes and e-scooters accessible for youth, other residents urged the council to bar kids from riding them on city streets entirely. Discussions centered on helmet requirements, safety vests, age limits, potential licensing, and expanded rider education.
Resident Michelle Hultine told the council she followed two children on e-bikes—one appearing to be about 8 and the other roughly 12—for six blocks on Third Street. She said neither rider stopped at stop signs, and at Baltimore Avenue, an oncoming car was forced to swerve to avoid hitting the second child.
I about witnessed a death, she said
“I about witnessed a death,” she said. “Somebody else about killed a kid. And a kid about died.”
Hultine said she grew up riding minibikes and is not “a fun hater,” but questioned liability during collisions. “Is the city doing enough to control that situation?” she asked.
Caroline Kemp, whose two sons ride e-bikes, said she shares safety concerns but favors education over restrictions. Kemp noted that her sons, both high school freshmen, have had drivers fail to yield to them. She said helmets are non-negotiable in her household and voiced support for a citywide helmet mandate.
However, Kemp pushed back against proposals barring riders under 15 without a learner’s permit.
I believe that education rather than regulation would
“I believe that education rather than regulation would be a much more reasonable approach,” Kemp said.
She suggested the city partner with Central Community College and local police to develop a prerequisite safety course for young riders. She also urged the city to publish crash and citation data broken down by age.
Mayor Jay Beckby acknowledged the divide.
“We had parents that were passionate about keeping these get up and speak that they don’t want our kids on the street at all in these because of the safety situation.”
In November 2025, the council voted 8-0
In November 2025, the council voted 8-0 to approve Ordinance 4815, governing lightweight e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards on public property. The ordinance bars the devices on streets with speed limits above 25 mph, bans sidewalk riding in the downtown business district, and mandates a front headlight and red rear reflector. Violations carry fines up to $50 for a first offense, $50 to $100 for a second, and $150 for a third, along with potential impoundment.
Beckby noted the measure was designed as “a living, breathing document” the council could revisit as conditions evolve.
Hastings Police Capt. Jason Haase reported that calls involving e-bikes and e-scooters have increased, though not due to a surge in severe crashes. Between mid-2025 and late 2026, the department logged four or five reportable injury crashes—including one serious injury—with three or four involving riders striking parked vehicles.
Haase pointed out that Hastings still records more
Haase pointed out that Hastings still records more traditional bicycle crashes, but emphasized that speed increases the severity of motorized incidents: e-scooters can reach 20 to 30 mph, compared to 10 to 15 mph on standard bicycles.
“We’re trying not to write citations. We’re trying to educate the youth, educate the parents,” Haase said. While officers have issued citations and impounded devices, he said police will not engage in pursuits if a rider flees due to safety risks.
Haase also cautioned against passing unenforceable mandates, questioning how permitting or licensing systems would function and noting Nebraska does not require universal motorcycle helmet use.
Let’s not arbitrarily make laws that are not
“Let’s not arbitrarily make laws that are not able to be enforced by the police department, or that are simply not going to be followed because they’re too restrictive,” he said. Instead, Haase urged parents to instruct children on where to ride, how to use hand signals, and how to navigate traffic safely. “They need to be the one to educate their youth on the proper use of these.”
While the Nebraska Department of Transportation does not isolate e-bike or e-scooter fatalities, state data shows two bicyclist deaths occurred on Nebraska roadways in 2025—down from four in 2024 and below the five-year average of 2.4. In September 2026, one bicyclist was among 13 traffic fatalities statewide.
Eric Koeppe, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, Nebraska, noted an “explosion” of e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-less minibikes across the state.
Our organization encourages everyone to wear a helmet
“Our organization encourages everyone to wear a helmet when they’re on any of these devices,” Koeppe said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re low speed or go a little faster.”
Koeppe echoed the call for parental responsibility and urged riders to wear high-visibility gear. Detailed legal guidelines, device classifications, and operational rules are available
Locally, the city plans to partner with the Hastings Public Library to launch a hands-on safety initiative. Beckby said the city aims to purchase a demonstration stand and device to teach road rules, equipment use, and hand signals.
Library Director Kelly Reisig said organizers are researching
Library Director Kelly Reisig said organizers are researching a simulator model similar to “Mike the Bike,” an instructional tool once used for youth bicycle safety. A prospective clinic could involve local police, fire, and health officials, featuring obstacle courses, gear fittings, and lithium-ion battery safety tips for older home electrical systems.
A date has not yet been set due to seasonal weather considerations, Reisig said.
Officials reiterated that safety ultimately begins at home.
“Be involved in your children,” Beckby said. “If you buy one of these devices, educate them.”
Residents can report e-bike or e-scooter concerns and collisions to the Hastings Police Department at (402) 461-2380.
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