Hastings’ new e-scooter law to take effect November 25th

Members of the Hastings City Council voted 8-0 during their regular meeting on Nov. 10, 2025

to approve the second and final readings of Ordinance 4815, which establishes lightweight e-
scooter, e-bike and hoverboard usage on public property.

The new law will be section 50-704 of city code. Because ordinances take effect 15 days after
passage, Ordinance 4815 will take effect Nov. 25.
The ordinance was amended after council members voted 8-0 to approve the first reading of
the ordinance during their Oct. 27 meeting, following discussion during previous council
meetings.
Amendments to the ordinance included the prohibition of using motorized scooters, bikes and
hoverboards on Second Street between Burlington and Minnesota avenues.
Also changed prior to the Nov. 10 meeting was replacing a specific speed limit for usage on the
Pioneer Spirit Trail with the requirement that riders on lightweight motorized vehicles maintain
a “safe and reasonable” speed.
E-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards are banned on Hastings roadways where the speed limit is
greater than 25 miles per hour.
Any person riding a lightweight e-scooter, e-bike, or hoverboard shall not ride on a sidewalk
within the downtown business district, which is defined as Fifth Street south to South Street,
and from Burlington Avenue east to Minnesota Avenue. Any such person is permitted to carry
or walk alongside such lightweight e-scooter, e-bike, or hoverboard on the sidewalks downtown.
Every person riding an e-scooter, e-bike or hoverboard on a roadway is responsible for obeying
all motor vehicle travel laws.

Ordinance 4815 also outlines that the e-scooter, e-bike, or a hoverboard be outfitted with a
front light and a red rear reflector. A red taillight is optional.
The ordinance imposes penalties including a fine of up to $50 for a violation of the ordinance, a
fine of $50-$100 for a second offense and a $150 fine for a third offense.

Police officers may impound a rider’s e-scooter, e-bike, or a hoverboard following a violation. A
court may order the lightweight vehicle sold by the city or else destroyed.
The ordinance as amended states that the law doesn’t apply to users of personal assistive
mobility devices including motorized wheelchairs.
Now that Ordinance 4815 has passed, the City of Hastings, led by the Hastings Police
Department, will work on educational outreach efforts – especially for school aged riders.
The ordinance and a map showing city streets where lightweight electric vehicles are
prohibited, are available in the “I Want To...View” section on cityofhastings.org.