The Manchester City Council recently approved and adopted Ordinance No. 011-2026, updating the City’s regulations for bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, hoverboards and other micromobility devices.
The ordinance brings the City’s existing regulations together into one updated chapter and establishes consistent rules for the safe use of these devices on City streets, sidewalks, bikeways and other public property. Below is a summary of some of the key provisions of the new ordinance.
What Residents Should Know
Micromobility devices may be used on sidewalks and bikeways. When operated on a roadway, riders must follow traffic laws and traffic control devices. Micromobility devices are not permitted on roadways with a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph, except when crossing at an intersection or marked pedestrian crossing.
Be mindful of your speed. All devices must be operated at a reasonable and prudent speed. Electric personal assistive mobility devices and micromobility devices may not exceed 20 mph on publicly owned property.
Lights are required after dark. Bicycles and micromobility devices used between sunset and sunrise must have, or the rider must wear, a white light visible from at least 300 feet in front and a red light or reflector visible from at least 300 feet behind. Bicycles and micromobility devices must also have adequate brakes.
Some areas are off limits. These devices may not be used where signs prohibit them or on public improvements not intended for riding, such as playground equipment, public stairways, accessibility ramps, tennis courts, swimming pools and similar areas. Riders must always operate in a careful manner that does not endanger people or property.
Ride responsibly. Riders may not carry more people than the device is designed for, engage in reckless riding or stunts, or be towed by a vehicle unless the equipment is specifically designed and legally equipped for that purpose.
Keep sidewalks accessible when parking. Bicycles, scooters and other devices may be parked in a rack, against a building or at the curb as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian traffic, accessible routes, ramps, doorways, fire hydrants or traffic control devices.
Violations may result in penalties or impoundment. Anyone who violates the ordinance may be subject to the applicable fine or penalty. As an alternative, an offender may voluntarily allow the device involved in the violation to be impounded by the City for at least 5 days for a first offense, 10 days for a second offense and 30 days for a third offense. Fourth and subsequent offenses, or offenses where voluntary impoundment is refused, may be handled as a municipal infraction or other applicable enforcement action. Special provisions also apply when the person involved is under age 18.
The goal of the updated ordinance is to provide clear, consistent rules as e-bikes, electric scooters and other micromobility devices become more common in Manchester.
Ordinance No. 011-2026 was approved by the City Council on September 28, 2026, and will be published in the Manchester Press on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The ordinance becomes effective following publication as provided by law.
Residents are encouraged to review the full Ordinance No. 011-2026, attached below, for all regulations and requirements.
Ordinance 011-2026 Bicycle & Micromobility Device Regulations.pdf
