Bentonville Weighs Ban on High-Speed E-Vehicles
The proposed ordinance would bar gas-powered and electric vehicles over 750 watts from city sidewalks and trails.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
Live Poll
Should Bentonville ban high-speed electric vehicles from city sidewalks and trails?
Bentonville city leaders will meet Tuesday to discuss an ordinance that would ban gas-powered and electric vehicles with more than 750 watts of power from city sidewalks and trails. The proposal follows a unanimous vote by the Fayetteville City Council last week to impose a similar ban.
Why it matters
City council documents state that multiple city departments have received public complaints and safety concerns about high-speed vehicles on trails alongside pedestrians. If adopted, the restrictions could soon take effect for trail users in Bentonville.
The ordinance targets vehicles above 750 watts, while class one, two and three e-bikes are capped at 750 watts and 28 miles per hour. Those e-bikes are also barred from paved and mountain bike trails when assist exceeds 20 miles per hour.
The players
Bentonville City Council
The governing body of Bentonville, Arkansas, a city in Northwest Arkansas known as a regional hub for the outdoor recreation and trail network.
Fayetteville City Council
The governing body of Fayetteville, Arkansas, which recently passed a similar unanimous ban on high-speed electric vehicles on city sidewalks and trails.
The details
The proposed ban would not apply to class one, two or three e-bikes. Higher-powered electric vehicles fall outside the currently listed e-bike classes, and multiple city departments have received public complaints about high-speed vehicles on trails.
Timeline
Tuesday: Bentonville Committee of the Whole and city council meet to discuss the ordinance.
Last week: Fayetteville City Council unanimously voted to ban high-speed electric vehicles over 750 watts.
Roadmap
Bentonville's proposal follows Fayetteville's unanimous decision to restrict high-speed electric vehicles over 750 watts on city trails. It extends a regional pattern in Northwest Arkansas of cities addressing the mix of faster powered devices and pedestrians on shared paths.
If the ordinance passes, riders of gas-powered or electric vehicles above 750 watts would be barred from city sidewalks and trails in Bentonville. Class one, two and three e-bike riders would be unaffected by the proposed rule.
The takeaway
Riders planning to use Bentonville trails should check whether their vehicle exceeds 750 watts before the council acts on the ordinance. Those who ride a standard e-bike within the listed classes should confirm the rules still apply to their device.
Further reading
For broader context on rules governing powered devices, see Electric Vehicles coverage.
Live Poll
Should Bentonville ban high-speed electric vehicles from city sidewalks and trails?
