The Natchitoches Police Department has received many complaints about the use of E-bikes and scooters in our community and would like to remind the public of Louisiana Revised Statute 32:100.1.1 (Electric low-speed scooters; operation; exceptions).
Classifications of e-bikes under Louisiana law:
- Class I has an electric motor to assist the cyclist up to 20 miles per hour
- Class II has an electric motor to propel the bicycle up to 20 miles per hour
- Class III has an electric motor to assist the cyclist up to 28 miles per hour
What are the rules for riding e-bikes:
- Electric low-speed scooters may operate on sidewalks, bicycle paths and roads but the City of Natchitoches may limit or prohibit the use on any sidewalk, bicycle path, or road in the interest of public safety. E-bikes should be operated as far right as practical except when making a left-hand turn.
- While riding an E-bike on a roadway the operator must obey all traffic controls including traffic lights and stop signs.
- Any operator under the age of seventeen shall wear an approved helmet.
- All operators of Class III e-bikes must be older than twelve years of age and all operators regardless of age shall wear an approved helmet.
- E-bikes shall be equipped with a brake, appropriate lighting (head light and tail light), reflectors or reflective markings.
- E-bikes can only carry passengers if they are designed and equipped to do so.
- No person operating an E-bike shall attach themselves or the scooter to any vehicle operated upon a roadway.
- No person operating an E-bike on a roadway shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand on its handlebars.
If you would like to report the unlawful use of E-bikes or scooters or please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.
How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:
You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.