OTHELLO — Regulations governing e-bikes and other electrically powered devices go into effect in Othello Monday. Othello City Council members approved the regulations Sept. 14.  

Othello Police Chief Brent McFarlane said existing city regulations didn't really address e-bikes, e-scooters, electric skateboards or similar devices because they're so new.  

"It felt like one day, they were just everywhere," McFarlane said.  

City officials have been discussing potential regulations since July. "Our intent with this ordinance is, we just want people to be safe," McFarlane said. 

Parents or legal guardians can be held responsible if they knowingly allow children less than 16 years of age to violate the ordinance provisions.  

Under the new regulations, e-bikes, e-scooters and other devices will be restricted to a maximum speed limit of 10 miles per hour. Some are allowed on sidewalks, but they must obey the 10-mph speed limit. Riders younger than 16 years of age are prohibited from operating any device capable of going faster than 20 mph. 

Some e-bikes and e-scooters can be ridden on sidewalks, walking trails, crosswalks and multiple-use paths. They are restricted to 10 miles per hour in shared-use locations. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.  

Riders younger than 16 must wear an approved bike helmet regardless of the device they're using. People using e-bikes and e-scooters are subject to the same rules of the road as other motorized vehicles. Riders are required to observe stop signs and yield signs, rules on lane usage and direction of travel and any other applicable state traffic laws. 

Devices are prohibited in city parks. That includes park trails, sports fields and eco-conservation areas. They can be used on paved park access roads or parking lots where they would otherwise be allowed. 

The rules are different for Class 3 devices. Many of them look like other e-bikes but can go faster than 20 mph.  

McFarlane said that many times it's difficult to tell the difference between Class 3 e-bikes and Class 1 or Class 2 devices. One indicator is that Class 3 devices don't have pedals.  

Most e-bikes and e-scooters have devices that govern the speed, but McFarlane said he discovered that can be subject to change. 

"I've learned through research that it doesn't take a whole lot to modify a Class 1 or a Class 2," he said.  

E-bikes and other devices come with labels that identify their classification. The ordinance prohibits altering devices without changing the label to update that classification. 

Violations come with civil fines. The first infraction could include a $75 fine, with a maximum $150 fine for any subsequent offenses within a year.