Police chief outlines e-bike classifications, warns of high‑powered 'e‑moto' devices

Police Chief Mark Waters told the Menomonee Falls Village Board on June 15 that state law draws a sharp line between lawful electric bicycles and higher‑powered motorized devices, and urged education and targeted enforcement to reduce crashes.

Waters explained the state’s three‑class system for electric bicycles and said manufacturers must label an e‑bike’s class, wattage and top‑assisted speed. “I think there’s misinformation out there about what’s lawful and unlawful with regards to ebikes,” he said, and added that an e‑bike’s electric motor may provide assistance only while the rider pedals or, in limited cases, via a low‑speed throttle.

Why it matters: Class definitions affect where a device may legally operate, who may ride it, and what equipment is required. Waters said the legal limit for an electric bicycle’s motor is 750 watts, class 1 and 2 bicycles cease providing assistance at 20 mph, and class 3 at 28 mph; class 3 bikes also may be operated only by riders 16 or older.

Waters warned that many devices sold online exceed the 750‑watt threshold, lack fully operational pedals and achieve speeds well beyond bicycle limits. Those devices, sometimes marketed as electric dirt bikes or “e moto” bikes, may be treated as motor vehicles and therefore require registration, a driver’s license and insurance, and would be prohibited from operating on bike infrastructure in the village.

Board and staff response: Village Attorney Adam Koenig and Village Manager Mark Fitzgerald said municipal ordinances vary across communities and that some local code “clean up” will be needed to align village rules with state statute. Koenig said the village cannot regulate bicycles on roadways beyond state law but can address unlawful high‑powered devices that operate like motor vehicles.

Enforcement and outreach: Waters said police have not yet issued enforcement actions for juveniles tied to e‑bike use and emphasized an education‑first approach: the department will train officers, publish guidance on social media and consider handouts for youth education. “We will take a concerted effort to get out there and, educate and potentially enforce the law,” he said, adding that repeat offenders could face citations and that parents could be held responsible under existing village forfeiture language.

What’s next: Trustees asked staff to publish the information and include updates in quarterly reports so residents can track outreach and any citations. Koenig said staff will review ordinances about device use in parks and on village property and recommend language consistent with state law.

The presentation came as part of the board’s regular meeting; no formal ordinance changes were adopted that night.