MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) – As Wisconsin begins heading towards the summer season, police in Manitowoc are reminding the public of the recently enacted mini-bike ordinance.
In November 2025, due to numerous traffic and safety concerns, police say the City of Manitowoc enacted an ordinance that prohibited the use of mini-bikes on public property within the city, such as on roadways, bike paths, and sidewalks.
According to a release, City Ordinance 10.830(1) says a mini-bike is any two-wheeled vehicle, primarily used for transportation or sport, that has either not enough power to meet the definition of a motorcycle or too much power to meet the definition of an e-bike. This includes both gas and electric-powered vehicles.
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Police say that if a vehicle has an electric or gas-powered motor but does not have pedals, then it is likely considered a mini-bike and is not allowed on public property.
The Manitowoc Police Department has provided the following chart to explain where and what is legal to drive throughout the city:
| Legal to Drive? | E-Scooter | E-Bike | Motor Bicycle | Mini Bike |
| Roadway | YES | YES | YES | NO |
| Sidewalk | YES (not jeopardize safety) |
YES (not jeopardize safety) |
NO | NO |
| Bike Path/Lane | YES | YES | NO | NO |
| Parks | YES | YES | YES (Park Road Only) |
NO |
| Private Porperty | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Officers with the Manitowoc Police Department say they are committed to educating the public on what is legal and illegal for operation throughout the city.
Officials warn that repeated violations of the ordinance can result in citations of $83.60 for each violation.
