Bismarck adopts new electric scooter, e-bike rules

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Bismarck commissioners approved new rules for electric scooters and e-bikes Tuesday night, aligning the city’s ordinance more closely with neighboring Mandan.

The final ordinance sets the minimum age for electric scooters and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes at 12, instead of the proposed limit of 14.

“Mandan allows 12-year-olds to operate electric scooters, so I think Bismarck should as well,” a 12-year-old Bismarck resident said.

Under the new rules, Class 3 e-bikes are limited to riders 16 and older.

Commissioners also established speed limits, created tiered fines and gave police the option to impound devices for violations.