Chief's Corner - March - May 2026

March - May 2026 Edition 

Bicycles, Electronic Bicycles, Dirt Bikes, and Other Coaster Toys on the Roadway

The summer months are upon us, often bringing warmer weather, and an increase in motorized and nonmotorized bicycles, dirt bikes, and other coaster toys (i.e., motorized and nonmotorized skateboards and scooters) use on the roadways within the city. Therefore, the safe operation of these devices will ensure a fun filled summer for everyone.

The City of Buchanan is in the final stages of revising our current ordinance on bicycle and coaster toy use which will become effective soon. This ordinance will provide more guidance on where these devices can and cannot be operated within certain areas of the city. However, state laws regarding their use still apply and are enforceable.

Below are important Michigan laws that govern their use to ensure the safety of the entire community.

Dirt Bikes

Dirt bikes are considered off-road vehicles and cannot be operated on public roadways, streets and sidewalks. Depending on the violation, penalties can range from a civil infraction, a misdemeanor or a felony. For further information visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website here or see the Michigan ORV Handbook here.

Electric Bicycles and Human-Powered Bicycles

 A person operating either a human-powered or electric bicycle (e-bikes) is required to obey Michigan laws that govern their operation. For instance, a bicyclist must obey the same traffic laws as a motorist. For further information visit the Michigan Bicycle Safety website here or see the Legal Handbook for Michigan Cyclists here.

E-bikes have a seat, pedal and an electric motor of 750 watts or less, and fall within three categories (see class 1, class 2 or class 3 definitions here). All e-bikes are allowed to operate on roadways but become more restrictive if they are class 2 or class 3. There is no minimum age to operate a class 1 or class 2 e-bike, however, the operator must be 14 years old to operate a class 3 e-bike. For more information visit the E-Bikes in Michigan website here.

Regarding helmet use, Michigan does not require their use for operating or riding human-powered bicycles and class 1 or class 2 e-bikes. However, a person under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet when riding on a class 3 e-bike. It is strongly recommended that bicyclist of any age wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets federal standards established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Coaster Toys

Coaster toys (i.e., motorized scooters and motorized skateboards) are governed by the same Michigan laws as bicycles (see MCL 257.660). A person must be at least 12 years old to operate these devices on a public roadway. Furthermore, anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a bicycle helmet.