Electric devices (such as e-motos, e-scooters etc.) are changing how people move around Nebraska. For older adults, an electric device can help them keep moving. For commuters, they’re a more affordable option than a standard vehicle. And for families and recreational riders, it makes bicycling and the outdoors more accessible.

However, that reality also brings increased safety concerns, and we know these are particularly pressing right now.

Bike Walk Nebraska is working to create realistic, accessible, and safe policy recommendations for state and local governments across Nebraska.

Our key policy goals are:

• Protect access to classified e-bikes as currently defined in state statute.
• Maximize safety for electric mobility device users and those around them, whether that’s on streets, sidewalks, or trails.
• Ensure the recommendations are realistically enforceable.

And, we need your input - there are two surveys below depending on where live in Nebraska.

The Omaha Metro & Surrounding Area

Within the Omaha Metro and surrounding region, we’re working with the Metro Area Planning Agency (MAPA) and the Papio-Missouri NRD to prioritize consistency across the MAPA region.

Consistency supports safety, comfort and confidence for all users. The standard user, especially on trail systems that span multiple communities, will have a difficult time not only determining when they cross into Omaha, Bellevue, or Papillion, but also keeping track of different ordinances.

Do you live within Omaha and the surrounding area? Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.

Looking to Lincoln & Greater Nebraska

Concerns about electric mobility devices aren’t limited to the Metro Area. Communities of all sizes across Nebraska have voiced similar issues.

One size will not fit all when it comes to policy. Parallel to the project for the MAPA region, Bike Walk Nebraska will develop a menu of recommendations that local decision-makers across the state can use as a guide when choosing what works best for their community.

What we want to avoid is an outright ban of electric devices - especially standard e-bikes, which are defined in state statute. We must strike a balance between effective and realistic enforcement, while ensuring we don’t deny people the opportunity to safely use e-motos as valid transportation and recreation devices.

Unfortunately, a handful of Nebraska communities have already adopted regulations that restrict standard e-bikes alongside e-motos. We hope these communities will be open to amending their ordinances once we have established recommendations.

If you reside in Lincoln area or Greater Nebraska, please take a few minutes to complete this survey.

Policy is One Piece of the Puzzle

Education and etiquette can change behavior today. Safer infrastructure can reduce conflicts. Thoughtful policy can protect people without unnecessarily restricting responsible riders. Each piece is necessary to support vulnerable road user safety across the board.

Community education materials are available with AAA’s E-Ride Guide and Bike Walk Nebraska’s Watch For Wheels Campaign.

Consistency. Safety. Access. Realistic Enforceability.

That’s what we’re working towards. Please help us by taking a moment to complete the survey for your respective area.