Leawood City Council Adopts New Rules for E-Bikes and Micromobility Devices

The Leawood City Council approved updated traffic regulations on Monday, Nov. 2, establishing new safety rules for electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other micromobility devices operating within the City.

The changes, which go into effect Dec. 15, 2026, are part of the City's adoption of the 2026 Standard Traffic Ordinance for Kansas Cities and incorporate several recommendations from the Mid-America Regional Council's (MARC) regional e-mobility policy workgroup.

The updated regulations are intended to improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and others sharing Leawood's streets, sidewalks, and trails, while providing clearer guidance as electric-powered transportation devices become increasingly common.

What riders and parents need to know

The updated regulations include the following requirements:

• Speed limits: Bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles and micromobility devices are limited to 15 mph on sidewalks, multi-use paths and trails throughout Leawood. This limit does not apply to designated bicycle lanes or streets, where applicable posted speed limits and traffic laws remain in effect.

• Age restrictions: Children under 16 may not operate Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles, which can provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph. Those under 16 also may not operate or ride on micromobility devices capable of exceeding 20 mph on motor power alone.

• Helmet requirements: Riders under 18 must wear helmets when operating electric-assisted bicycles and micromobility devices. Leawood already required minors to wear helmets, and the updated ordinance expands the language to specifically include the newly defined term “micromobility devices.”

• Passenger restrictions: Electric bicycles and micromobility devices may not carry more people than they are designed to accommodate. Riding with a passenger on a device designed for one person is prohibited.

• Pedestrian safety: Riders must yield the right of way to pedestrians and provide an audible warning before passing. Riders must remain attentive, operate at safe speeds for existing conditions, and avoid careless or reckless behavior.

• Parental responsibility: Parents and guardians may not authorize or knowingly allow children to violate the City's electric bicycle or micromobility regulations. Violations may result in warnings or citations, and citations issued to minors may be charged to their parents or guardians.

• Roadway restrictions: Micromobility devices are prohibited on interstate, federal and state highways, except when crossing a state highway as necessary.

What is considered a micromobility device?

The updated ordinance establishes a broader definition of micromobility devices to include compact electric-powered transportation devices such as electric scooters, motorized skateboards and electric unicycles.

Electric-assisted bicycles are classified separately under the City's traffic regulations but are subject to many of the same safety requirements.

Mobility aids designed for individuals with disabilities, such as motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters, are not included in the micromobility device definition.

Promoting safe and responsible riding

The updated rules reflect a regional effort to establish more consistent safety standards for electric-powered transportation devices across the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The City encourages residents, particularly parents and guardians of younger riders, to become familiar with the regulations and review them with family members.

Whether riding on a neighborhood street, sidewalk or recreational trail, all users are reminded to be aware of their surroundings, respect pedestrians and operate their devices responsibly.

These efforts also align with the City's ongoing Safe Streets Leawood initiative, which is developing a comprehensive Safety Action Plan to identify opportunities to improve roadway safety for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. Supported by a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, the initiative aims to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on Leawood's roadways.

These updated laws go into effect Dec. 15, 2026.

For more information about Leawood's traffic regulations, visit their Ride Safe, Leawood page.