- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Police Department
- Bike and E-Bike Safety
Bike and E-Bike Safety
NEWS RELEASE: 9.15.2025 - Helmet Requirement Starts September 18, 2025
City Council in Boulder City approved an ordinance to establish strong, comprehensive regulations for the operation of bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, skates, toy vehicles, scooters and skateboards in order to cover circumstances that are not addressed in state law. The law went into effect September 18, 2025, and requires helmets for all minors riding bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters.
The ordinance:
- Adds definitions for bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, roller skates, scooters and skateboards.
- Establishes a speed limit of 15 miles per hour for all devices operating on the sidewalk or multi-use path (with the exception of the River Mountains Loop Trail) whether it is a regular bicycle, electric bicycle, roller skates, or a nonmotorized scooter.
- Prohibits all motorized forms of transportation, including electric bicycles and scooters from being ridden upon recreational facilities in City parks such as grass, fields, playgrounds, courts. These devices are allowed on sidewalks, parking lots, multi-use paths or trails.
- Requires a helmet at all times for minors (under age 18) riding bicycles, electric bicycles and electric scooters.
- Recommends that a bicycle rider, an electric bicycle rider, or an electric scooter rider use a designated path for bicycles, electric bicycles, or electric scooters when such path has been provided adjacent to a roadway.
- Prohibits the parking of an electric bicycle, or an electric scooter in a manner that obstructs pedestrian or road traffic.
- Adds non-motorized scooters to our Code, and prohibits their use on roadways, instead requiring their operation to occur on sidewalks or similar paths, and giving them the status of pedestrians while in crossing areas similar to individuals on roller skates or skateboards under our current code.
- Prohibits the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, skates, toy vehicles, scooters and skateboards on sidewalks or other paths contiguous and adjacent to the public access of buildings in use for commercial purposes, including, but not limited to, shops, restaurants, hotels, banks or office buildings, and public buildings.
- Fines for violations are civil traffic infractions and are proposed at $150.00 for the first violation, $250.00 for the second, and $600.00 for the third and subsequent.
- Clarifies that parents are financially responsible for tickets given to minors.
(Other electric vehicles, such as electric mopeds and motorcycles, which may easily be confused as being an electric bicycle, are addressed by state law.)
- How Can I Tell the Difference?
- Why Wear Helmets?
- Hoverboards, Self-Propelled Items
- E-Bikes and Bikes
- E-Mopeds & Mopeds
- E-Motorcycles & Motorcycles
- Criminal Charges
- Links
It can be difficult to tell the difference between each item, especially those with motors. Nevada law is very specific about the items, so before you buy, make sure you look at their speed, electrical wattage or gas use.
Does it have pedals that propel it?
- Yes: it’s an E–bike.
- Mopeds or Motorcycles may have pedals (or footrests) but are propelled by engine, electric and/or gas.
Laws Require Helmets and Licenses for Mopeds and Motorcycles:
- Mopeds cannot exceed 30 mph, and operate between 750-1500 watts or less than 50 cc's if gas.
- Motorcycles exceed 30 mph, and operate over 1500 watts or more than 50 cc's if gas.
In Boulder City, all minors are required to wear a helment on bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
In a Consumer Product Safety Commission report from October 2023, E-scooter and E-bike injuries soared. 2022 injuries increased nearly 21%. Injuries from motorized devices were up nearly 23% each year since 2017. E-scooters injuries were up 22% from 2021 to 2022. From 2017 to 2022, 46% of E-Bike injuries occurred in 2022 alone, and the number of injuries is expected to rise.
The CDC recommends any person, any age, on any small, lightweight moving device, self-propelled or motorized, wear a helmet. Properly fit helmets can reduce the risk of head injury in a crash by 85%. Wearing a helmet can prevent traumatic brain injuries, concussions, or even death. Visit www.cdc.gov/headsup for more information.
Head Towards Safety, Wear a Helmet (enlarged)
For hoverboards, self-propelled skateboards and scooters:
- Never ride in the street.
- Use caution on sidewalks where permitted.
- Be aware of your surroundings: stop at intersections and watch for other people and traffic nearby.
- There is no age requirement, but adult supervision is suggested for children 12 and under.
- These items typically travel between five and 12 mph.
- Wear proper safety gear, a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads.
- More than 230,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries while skateboarding, using scooters or hoverboards in 2022 alone.
Many self-propelled wheeled items are considered toys. Adhere to manufacturer recommendations for use and follow safety agency's recommendations for safety.
Bikes and E-bikes have pedals to propel them. Bikes are completely self-propelled. E-Bikes operate at 750 watts or less. There are three E-Bike classes in use:
- Class 1: the motor assists when peddling and shuts down at 20 miles an hour.
- Class 2: the most common E bike. It can operate with the electric motor only or may do pedal assist. The motor shuts down at 20 miles an hour.
- Class 3: can only use the motor assist peddling and shuts down at 28 miles an hour.
You must obey the rules of the road and safety procedures such as speed limits and stop signs. Always wear a helmet.
Moped users must be 16 years old and have a driver's license of any class. Helmets, registration and license plates are required. One time registration is also required.
You must ride in the far right lane on a multi lane road unless:
- Preparing to turn left;
- If it is unsafe; or
- If directed elsewhere by a police officer.
Mopeds must have proper safety equipment to drive on a public street. Visit www.dmv.nv.gov/moped for more information.
For motorcycles, an M class driver's license is required. You must be at least 18 years of age and must have successfully completed either:
- Written examinations and driving tests, as they may be required by the DMV; or
- A course of motorcycle safety approved by the department.
Helmets, insurance, vehicle registration and license plate are required. Visit www.dmv.nv.gov/motorcycle.htm for more information.
Fines for violations of the bicycle ordinance are civil traffic infractions and are proposed at $150.00 for the first violation, $250.00 for the second, and $600.00 for the third and subsequent. Parents are financially responsible for tickets given to minors.
Nevada law requires the vehicle and operator of mopeds or motorcycles must be licensed. There are potential criminal charges for parents or guardians if minors are caught operating either a moped or a motorcycle.
If an adult, such as a parent or guardian, permits a child under 18 to operate a moped or motorcycle, it is a violation of NRS 483.580. This misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $1000 and or jail for up to six months.