Grand Forks Council Ordered E-Bike Regulation Research

The city will draft new rules for electric bikes and scooters following a unanimous vote.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in City Hall

Isometric editorial illustration showing a parked electric bicycle next to a traffic bollard, representing new urban traffic policy. — The Grand Forks City Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to draft new safety regulations for electric bikes and scooters following public complaints. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support stricter local regulations for the use of e-bikes in your community?

The Grand Forks City Council has directed staff to research and draft regulations for e-bikes and motorized scooters. The move comes after officials received public complaints regarding safety concerns on city streets and the Greenway.

Why it matters

The lack of clear rules has sparked public safety concerns that local officials are now aiming to address through legislative action. Future ordinances will define how these motorized devices interact with existing infrastructure.

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are defined by pedal or throttle assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 models reach speeds up to 28 mph. The city must now determine how these specifications align with local safety standards.

The players

Grand Forks City Council

This is the primary legislative body for the City of Grand Forks responsible for setting local ordinances and municipal policies.

Jason Freedman

Jason Freedman serves as the Police Chief for the City of Grand Forks and is responsible for law enforcement and public safety oversight.

Grand Forks Public Health

This local agency provides public health resources and community safety guidance to residents in the Grand Forks area.

Safe Kids Grand Forks

This organization focuses on preventing childhood injuries through community education and local safety programs.

The details

City staff will collaborate with Grand Forks Public Health and Safe Kids Grand Forks to inform the new regulations. Police Chief Jason Freedman raised specific challenges regarding the enforcement of future ordinances during the council meeting.

September 21, 2026: The City Council meeting where the motion was unanimously approved.

Political Context

The city is moving toward adopting the National Conference of State Legislatures three-class e-bike framework to standardize local rules. While the council seeks clarity, opposition often centers on concerns regarding the potential restriction of multi-modal transportation options.

Residents should expect potential changes to where and how fast they can operate e-bikes and scooters on city property. Future regulations will likely impact how commuters navigate the Greenway and local thoroughfares.

The takeaway

This initiative marks the first formal step toward establishing clear usage standards for the growing number of motorized personal vehicles in Grand Forks. Residents who use these devices should track future council meetings for opportunities to offer public comment on the draft rules.