Photo: MAGNUS ANDERSSON / AFP / Getty Images
(Ankeny, IA) -- The growth of electric-powered vehicles is prompting the city of Ankeny to ban electric mopeds and mini-bikes on public trails and sidewalks.
"With that growth, there's come some confusion about where those devices can be used and how they operate safely. So, we've seen an increase in situations where unsafe riding has put the (drivers) at risk and other pedestrians and motorists at risk, " said Ankeny Police Sergeant Trevor McGraw.
He says drivers of electric-powered mopeds and mini-bikes must be licensed, registered and insured to operate on city streets.
McGraw says e-scooters and low-speed electric bicycles that have pedals are still permitted on public trails and sidewalks.
But they can't exceed the 20-mile-an-hour speed limit.
McGraw says Ankeny Police is launching an education campaign directed toward parents of juveniles who ride electric-powered mopeds and mini bikes.
Once complete, violators will receive misdemeanor traffic tickets.