Push for e-bike safety regulations spans across southern Nevada

60 percent increase in fatalities prompts coordinated response from local municipalities

Southern Nevada municipalities are implementing a patchwork of new safety regulations for electric bikes and scooters following alarming data showing a 60 percent increase in e-bike fatalities countywide, according to Nevada’s statewide monthly fatal report.

The surge in accidents has prompted Clark County, Las Vegas, Henderson, and now Boulder City to create stricter rules aimed at protecting both riders and pedestrians as these electric vehicles become increasingly popular across the valley.

Las Vegas joins regional safety push

Last week, the City of Las Vegas approved its own set of comprehensive regulations, joining Clark County and Henderson which implemented their rules earlier this year. The Las Vegas ordinance, set to take effect October 1, includes several key provisions:

• Speed limits capped at 15 mph for e-bikes and e-scooters
• Mandatory helmets for minors
• Required safety equipment including lights, reflectors, and audible warning devices
• Prohibition of e-bike and e-scooter use on Fremont Street between Main and Seventh streets

Violations of the new ordinance will result in fines starting at $150.

Boulder City considers joining regional effort

On Tuesday evening, Boulder City Council members heard impassioned pleas from residents concerned about e-bike and e-scooter safety in their community. The council is considering regulations that would align with those already adopted by neighboring jurisdictions.

“I am speaking on the electric bike bill and looking at things that are positive and negative as you’re going forth next time. I wanted to make sure that people are making sure that they are accommodating for everyone in our community,” Boulder City resident Sara Fisher told council members during the meeting.

Harrowing personal testimony drives urgency

Perhaps the most compelling argument for stricter regulations came from Boulder City resident Ben Shapiro, who shared a traumatic experience with council members.

“About 3-4 weeks ago, I hit a kid on an e-bike. I still shake when I think about it because I almost killed a kid,” Shapiro testified. “It is mind-blowing on how fast this kid has an electric bike, but he rides with his feet hanging down, so it looks like a motorcycle, and his headlight is from a motorcycle, so when I saw him in my rearview, I thought it was a motorcycle.”

Shapiro’s testimony highlights a growing concern about young riders operating high-speed e-bikes that can reach motorcycle-like speeds while appearing deceptively like traditional bicycles.

Enforcement clarity drives regulatory push

Clark County Councilman Justin Jones, who has been instrumental in pushing for clearer regulations, explained the necessity for standardized rules across jurisdictions.

“One of the reasons why we are going down this pathway is for our law enforcement partners, particularly with our Clark County police, park police, and metro, who needed very clear guidelines so that they could enforce them,” Jones said at a recent county meeting.

Henderson takes different approach

While most jurisdictions are implementing similar restrictions, Henderson has adopted somewhat looser guidelines that still allow more flexibility for riders.

According to a Henderson police officer explaining the city’s approach: “By law, e-bikes and scooters under 28 miles per hour are allowed on public roads if you follow traffic rules. On sidewalks, they’re okay, but keep it under 15 mph in city parks and trails, motorized vehicles are not allowed to exceed 15 mph.”

Park and trail restrictions vary by location

Each municipality is also implementing specific restrictions for parks and trails:

Clark County:

• E-bikes limited to 15 mph in parks
• Only pedal-assist e-bikes allowed unless otherwise posted
• Reckless behavior prohibited with fines up to $600

Las Vegas:

• Similar 15 mph speed limits
• Specific corridor restrictions including the Strip and Fremont Street

Henderson:

• 15 mph limits on trails and in parks
• More permissive rules on public roads

Three classes of e-bikes defined

Nevada law categorizes e-bikes into three classes, which affects where they can be operated:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle-powered only, up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph

These classifications help determine which types of e-bikes are allowed in specific areas, with some jurisdictions restricting Class 3 bikes from certain trails or park areas.

Regional coordination essential

The push for standardized regulations across southern Nevada reflects the reality that riders frequently cross municipal boundaries. Having consistent rules helps both riders understand expectations and law enforcement officers enforce regulations effectively.

“The push to increase public safety continues as several local municipalities aim to implement regulations when it comes to operating e-bikes and electric scooters,” officials noted, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the regional effort.

Timeline for implementation

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve:

• Clark County: Rules already in effect as of May 21
• Henderson: Regulations currently active
• Las Vegas: Ordinance takes effect October 1
• Boulder City: Set to revisit proposed ordinance on August 26

Looking ahead

As e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly popular transportation options in southern Nevada, the balance between accessibility and safety remains a key challenge for local governments. The dramatic increase in fatalities has created urgency around implementing effective regulations while still allowing residents to enjoy these alternative transportation methods.

The effectiveness of these new regulations will likely be closely monitored, with adjustments possible as communities learn what works best for keeping all road users safe while accommodating the growing popularity of electric mobility devices.

Image Sources: https://news3lv.com/news/local/push-for-e-bike-safety-regulations-spans-across-southern-nevada

Category: Traffic & Roads
Subcategory: Transportation Safety & Policy
Date: 08/14/2025