Noblesville council approves ordinance restricting where and how e‑bikes may be operated

Noblesville is rewriting the local rules for e-bikes, scooters and similar devices as city officials respond to heavier use on sidewalks, trails and downtown streets. Police Chief Brad Arnold presented the ordinance to the Noblesville Common Council on May 26, saying the city’s existing code had fallen behind changes in micromobility devices. The proposal would amend Chapters 71 and 74 of the city code, which cover traffic rules and bicycles. City records show the measure was introduced as Ordinance 23-05-26. ### What exactly did the council put on the table? The May 26 council agenda lists Ordinance 23-05-26 as a measure amending Noblesville’s code of ordinances, Chapter 71 on traffic rules and Chapter 74 on bicycles. Arnold introduced it during that meeting, according to the agenda and local coverage of the session. The ordinance text published with the agenda describes it as an amendment to city code for Noblesville, Hamilton County, Indiana. (noblesville.in.gov) Jessica Todd of Current reported on May 31 that the proposal followed “advancements to micromobility devices,” as Arnold told council members. Arnold said the older ordinance was “slacking in certain areas” and that the city needed a more comprehensive framework so people could use the devices safely. (noblesville.in.gov) ### Which vehicles are covered by the proposed rules? Arnold told the council the amendment defines micromobility devices as small, lightweight personal vehicles operating at speeds typically below 20 miles per hour. Current reported that the proposal would cover all micromobility devices, including the three classes of e-bikes. The ordinance material indexed on the city site also points to updated language in the sections governing trails and sidewalks. (youarecurrent.com) E-motos and golf carts would remain barred from trails, according to Arnold’s presentation. The White River Trailway would remain open for bicycle use under the proposal, he said. ### Would e-bikes be allowed on sidewalks and trails? Current reported that all micromobility devices, including the three classes of e-bikes, would be allowed on city sidewalks and multi-use trails under the draft ordinance. (youarecurrent.com) Arnold also said the city would create a downtown dismount area to prevent operation of devices on sidewalks in the downtown core. That means the ordinance would combine broader access on many sidewalks and trails with tighter restrictions in the city’s busiest pedestrian area. The city’s published ordinance file references Section 71.47, the code section on motorized vehicles using trails and sidewalks. The searchable city record does not, by itself, show the full redlined text in the snippet available through search, but it confirms the ordinance changes are tied to those trail and sidewalk rules. (youarecurrent.com) ### How would enforcement work if the ordinance takes effect? Arnold said Noblesville police would add dedicated bike patrol shifts, use additional on-duty bike patrols when staffing allows, and install speed-limit signage and warning measures. He said officers would be able to issue ticketed warnings and citations as they monitored how well the ordinance worked. (noblesville.in.gov) Arnold said the fine would be $100 for a first offense in a calendar year, then $150 and $250 for later offenses in that same year. He added that more serious fines could apply in city court for repeated reckless conduct. ### When could residents hear more or weigh in again? The city calendar lists the next Noblesville Common Council meeting for June 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 16 S. 10th Street. (youarecurrent.com) Current also identified that meeting as the next scheduled council session after Arnold’s presentation. Clerk Evelyn Lees’ office maintains council agendas, minutes, ordinances and other records, according to the city’s clerk page. That is where residents would typically look for the ordinance file, meeting materials and any later vote record once it is posted. (noblesville.in.gov) (noblesville.in.gov)