WAYZATA — With summer approaching and scooter use surging along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, the Wayzata City Council has unanimously adopted Emergency Ordinance 850, requiring all persons under the age of 18 to wear helmets while riding electric-assisted bicycles, motorized bicycles, and motorized foot scooters within city limits.
The new rule, introduced at the May 20 council meeting, was fast-tracked under emergency authority to take effect immediately—bypassing the typical two-reading process. Council members cited growing public safety concerns, especially downtown and along the Panoway, where juveniles have been observed riding recklessly at speeds exceeding 30 miles per hour.
“This makes as much sense as seat belts do,” said Council Member Jeff Parkhill. “It gives parents an enforceable reason to tell their kids: ‘Put your helmet on—it’s the law.’”
Deputy Police Chief Jamie Baker, who prepared the ordinance, said the department has fielded increasing complaints over the past five years related to unsafe operation of fast-moving e-bikes and scooters. The ordinance empowers officers to both educate young riders and take enforcement action when needed.
“This is consistent with what other Lake Minnetonka communities are already doing,” Baker said. “Given Wayzata’s status as a regional trail hub, we felt it was time.”
The ordinance does not extend to non-motorized bicycles—though several council members expressed support for broader helmet requirements in the future.
“This should be a cultural norm,” said council member Alex Plechash, recalling his own near-fatal bike crash. “If I hadn’t been wearing a helmet, I wouldn’t be here.”
Mayor Andrew Mullin added an emotional appeal to parents: “Please, if you’re going to buy your kid something that can go 30 miles an hour, give them the guidance to operate it with respect—especially downtown.”
The emergency ordinance comes as part of a broader slate of public safety measures this season, including increased police staffing, a new gate at the Mill Street Parking Ramp, and higher penalties for reckless behavior. Speed enforcement and signage along the lakewalk may be explored in future discussions.
Ordinance 850 passed 5–0, with unanimous roll call votes approving both the preamble and the ordinance itself. The law is effective immediately.
One response to “Wayzata Passes Emergency Helmet Ordinance for Youth Riders of Motorized Bikes and Scooters”
This is a good start to get ahead of the busy season, but is insufficient. The Council and PD should consider leveraging the state statutes and more importantly the language around where and how (speed, stunts, etc) Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes are allowed. There are lots of precedents that can more clearly govern and define this ongoing issue; which notably is not just a Wayzata problem. Good examples include the National Park Service, Eden Prairie, Boise Idaho, mountain communities in Colorado, etc. Starting with helmet regulation is a good start but is completely insufficient to address the actual problem (speed and safety of not just the riders but those around).