Three Boone County governments are moving toward new e-bike and e-scooter regulations after law enforcement raised pedestrian and rider safety concerns, with a formal presentation to the Fiscal Court expected this September.

County Administrator Matthew Webster told the Boone County Fiscal Court at its July 28 meeting that an assistant county attorney has been leading an internal legal review, examining state statutes, surveying ordinances from other communities and meeting with the Boone County Sheriff's Office and Public Works. Webster identified the attorney as Bill Noble.

"He's performed a review of the state statutes, taking a look at county ordinances, done some market research … and then has been facilitating meetings with the sheriff's office, public works and the county administration, all building to an anticipated presentation to the court that we hope will happen at a caucus meeting sometime in September," Webster said, as reported by LINK nky.

No ordinance has been drafted. The September caucus presentation will be the first time the full court hears the findings.

Webster noted that e-bikes and e-scooters each present distinct regulatory challenges under existing state law, complicating any single approach. Officials cited three overlapping concerns driving the effort: pedestrian safety, rider safety and driver safety. The devices are particularly popular among teenagers.

Florence gathers public input

Florence Police Chief Jeff Mallery confirmed his department has participated in discussions with Webster and other county officials, providing field data and officer observations. Florence City Administrator Josh Hunt told the Florence City Council on July 28 that the city could either wait for the county's recommendations or gather public input in the meantime. The council directed staff to launch a free public survey on transportation, commuting and safety, to be promoted on social media.

Union votes to follow the county's lead

One day earlier, on July 27, the Union City Commission voted at a special meeting to align its future e-bike regulations with whatever Boone County adopts.

Mayor Larry Solomon recommended the approach because Union lacks its own police department. The Boone County Sheriff's Department handles law enforcement within city limits, so matching the county's rules would simplify deputies' jobs.

Union City Administrator Paul Kremer said he met twice with Boone County officials before the vote to discuss enforcement boundaries. Kremer also said Union would like to work with the City of Walton on e-bike legislation to give deputies consistent rules across jurisdictions.

Commissioner John Mefford framed the issue as a safety matter at the July 27 meeting.

"My angle for starting this discussion was one of safety: safety for pedestrians, safety for the ones on bicycles and scooters, safety for drivers," Mefford said.

National context

Research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' 2026 annual meeting found that e-bike accidents involving children surged more than 300% between 2019 and 2023, leading to a growing number of serious injuries.