By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Graphic

As e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric-powered devices become increasingly common on local streets and sidewalks, the City of Bennington is bringing together safety experts and local law enforcement for an evening focused on education, prevention and responsible riding.

The City will host “Ride Smart. Ride Safe.” from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the Bennington Fire Department, 10801 N. 156th St. The free public event will focus on e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motos and traditional bicycles.

Mayor Clint Adams said the event’s primary goal is to give riders and families the information they need to use the devices safely while sharing public spaces with pedestrians and motorists.

“Our primary goal is education and prevention. We want to help kids, parents and all riders better understand how to safely operate bicycles, e-scooters and other similar devices while sharing our streets and sidewalks responsibly,” Adams said.

The event will also address the laws and regulations governing different types of devices, with particular attention to e-dirt bikes and where they can legally be ridden. Adams said bringing multiple agencies and safety organizations together will allow residents to get clearer answers about both safe riding practices and legal requirements.

Featured speakers include Brian Ortner of AAA, who will present information from the E-Ride Safety Guide; Ryan Humlicek of Nebraska Electric Motorsports, who will discuss e-bikes, e-motos and similar devices; Julie Harris of Bike Walk Nebraska, who will provide information about safety, resources and education; and Kevin Slimp of the Omaha City Prosecutor’s Office, who will discuss current laws and enforcement.

The event will also include a community question-and-answer session with local public safety partners. Participants will have the opportunity to bring questions and concerns directly to representatives from the Bennington Police Department, Bennington Fire Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Nebraska State Patrol. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol Unit will also be participating, along with a drunk-goggles demonstration. A limited supply of helmets will be available as well.

Adams said he hopes families leave with a better understanding of both the benefits and responsibilities that come with these increasingly popular devices.

“I hope families leave with a better understanding of both the responsibilities and the risks that come with these devices. They can be a great way to get around and have fun, but they also require good judgment, awareness, and respect for others,” he said.

For parents, Adams said, the event is an opportunity to learn more about age-appropriate devices and establish expectations for children who ride them. Young riders, meanwhile, can gain practical knowledge they can apply whenever they are on the road, sidewalk or trail.

Adams also encouraged residents who believe they already know the basics of e-bike or scooter safety to attend.

“I’d encourage people to attend because technology, products, and regulations are changing quickly and there’s always something new to learn. Many of the recent concerns we’ve heard about weren’t caused by bad intentions. In many cases, people simply weren’t aware of all the safety considerations or legal requirements,” he said.

The event is intended as an educational opportunity rather than a forum for complaints or confrontation. Bennington Police Chief Andrew Hilscher emphasized that the focus is straightforward: keeping riders and motorists safe.

“It’s only about safety and keeping the kids and drivers safe… We are all on the same page on public safety,” Hilscher said.

Adams echoed that the goal is to provide residents with useful information and an opportunity to ask questions without feeling lectured.

“This isn’t about lecturing anyone. It’s about information, answering questions, and helping people make informed decisions. A small investment of time can make a big difference when it comes to preventing injury and keeping our community safe,” Adams said.

Ride Smart. Ride Safe. is free and open to the public. Families, riders and anyone with questions about e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motos or bicycles are encouraged to attend.