By James Brown
Glasgow News 1
The Cave City City Council passed on first reading an ordinance regulating electric bikes and electric scooters Monday night during its regular meeting.
The ordinance was based on the one recently passed by the Glasgow City Council, city attorney Bobby Richardson explained. He said he was directed to follow that ordinance, which he did.
The council did amend the ordinance that was presented, and approved that amendment. The change was to the penalty portion of the ordinance.
Cave City Police Chief Paul Reynolds said, “I think the ordinance is fine,” when asked. He added he was concerned the penalties were too soft to get the attention of those who might violate the ordinance.
“Should we go ahead and set fines?” Councilman Denny Doyle asked.
“I think you should,” Richardson said.
The council members discussed that the impetus for the ordinance is the use of electric bikes and scooters by youth in the community.
Initially the penalties section included a courtesy warning or citation. A citation issued could have included fines, then if there were multiple violations, the electric bike or scooter could be subject to impound.
Reynolds suggested the council adopt penalties that included a first time offense, second time offense (with a $25 fine), and a third time offense that triggers impoundment.
The council approved that amendment, which will be written into the ordinance for the second reading. The ordinance is expected to be on the agenda for the Dec. 14 council meeting. If passed on second reading, it will become the law for Cave City.
Cave City council members Beverly Ford and Denny Doyle look on during a discussion about a proposed electric bike ordinance at the council meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. James Brown/Glasgow News 1
Reynolds said they aren’t trying to be mean to the children who ride the bikes and scooters, “We are just trying to protect people.”
“The moment a tragedy happens, people are going to be made at us,” if the council does not take action, council member Andrew Bagshaw said.
He added that he likes that the children of the community get out and ride around and hang out with their friends.
Council woman Beverly Ford, who is confined to a mobile wheelchair, said that the ordinance aims to protect all community members.
All council members present — Ford, Bagshaw, Doyle, Clifton Parsley and Ronald Coffey — voted in favor of the ordinance on first reading.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. at city hall on Duke Street.
Key Facts:
– Five council members supported the ordinance on first reading Nov. 9.
– The approved amendment sets a $25 fine for a second offense.
– A third offense would trigger impoundment.
– Police Chief Paul Reynolds proposed the amended penalties.
– Glasgow’s ordinance served as the model, attorney Bobby Richardson said.
What’s Next:
The amendment will be written into the ordinance for its second reading, expected at the Dec. 14 council meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at City Hall on Duke Street. Passage on second reading would make the ordinance law for Cave City.
