Riding Safely

Electric scooters, e-bikes, golf carts, and other small vehicles have become a common part of everyday life in Homewood. While many may look similar, Alabama law treats them very differently.


Many residents are surprised to learn that these may be legally classified as motor vehicles and are subject to licensing, insurance, registration, and safety requirements.


These are not City of Homewood regulations. They are requirements established by Alabama state law that the Homewood Police Department must follow. We are sharing this information to help residents understand the rules, avoid violations, and stay safe.



A Note for Parents

Parents are often surprised to learn that Alabama law may hold them responsible if a child operates certain vehicles without the required license, insurance, registration, helmet, shoes, or other required safety equipment.


State law may also hold parents responsible if they knowingly allow a child to violate traffic laws while operating these vehicles.


Because of that, it may be good to take the time to understand the rules that apply to what you may purchase and allow to operate.


  • Electric Scooter

    What is it? Under Alabama law, an electric scooter is a device that:


    • Weighs less than 100 pounds

    • Has handlebars and an electric motor

    • Is powered by an electric motor or human power

    • Has a maximum speed of 20 mph on level pavement


    A Common Misconception

    The electric scooters most people see and use in Homewood today are generally classified as motor vehicles under Alabama law. While many are purchased as recreational items, state law requires them to be treated differently than bicycles and e-bikes when operated on public roads.


    Why is this important?

    Many people assume electric scooters are treated similarly to bicycles. However, Alabama law classifies electric scooters as motor vehicles and motor driven cycles. As a result, they are subject to many of the same requirements that apply to motorcycles and other motor vehicles.


    Rules and Requirements

    • Minimum operator age: 14

    • Motorcycle license (Class M) required

    • Valid license plate required

    • Liability insurance required

    • Helmet required

    • Shoes required

    • Must obey all traffic laws

    • May be operated on public roads

    • Not permitted on public sidewalks

    • Must be equipped with functioning brakes




    Relevant Alabama Code


    • Definition of Electric Scooter: Alabama Code § 32-1-1.1(62)


    • Driver License Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-6-1


    • Motor Driven Cycle Licensing: Alabama Code § 32-12-22


    • Sidewalk Restrictions: Alabama Code § 32-5A-52


    • License Plate Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-6-51


    • Helmet and Footwear Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-12-22


    • Liability Insurance Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-7A-4

  • Electric Bike (e-bike)

    What is it? An electric bicycle is equipped with functional pedals and an electric motor that assists the rider while pedaling. Depending on the class of e-bike, motor assistance generally ends between 20 and 28 mph.


    If the bike is fully electric and does NOT have pedals or human assist in any way, it is classifed as a motorcycle.



    Rules and Requirements

    • Subject to the same rules as traditional bicycles

    • No driver's license required

    • No vehicle registration required

    • No insurance required

    • May be operated on public roads and designated bike lanes

    • Not permitted on public sidewalks

    • Riders under age 16 must wear a helmet



    Relevant Alabama Code


    • Definition of Electric Bicycle: Alabama Code § 32-5A-281


    • E Bike Classification and Operation: Alabama Code § 32-5A-280 through 32-5A-286

  • Golf Carts

    Golf Carts and Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs)


    Although they often look similar, golf carts and low speed vehicles are not the same under Alabama law.


    Golf Carts

    Golf carts are designed primarily for use on private property such as golf courses and private communities. Most do not have the safety equipment required for operation on public roads.


    Golf Cart Rules and Requirements (If NOT equipped as an LSV below)

    • Not street legal

    • Not permitted on public roads

    • Not permitted on public sidewalks

    • Intended for private property use only



    Low Speed Vehicle - LSV 

    A low speed vehicle is a four wheeled motor vehicle capable of reaching speeds up to 25 mph and equipped with federally required safety equipment. This can be a golf cart if equipped as below. If your golf cart does not match these requirements, it is NOT legal to operate on streets.


    LSV Required Equipment

    • Headlights

    • Taillights

    • Brake lights

    • Turn signals

    • Mirrors

    • Windshield

    • Seat belts

    • Horn


    LSV Rules and Requirements

    • Minimum operator age: 16

    • Valid driver's license required

    • License plate required

    • Liability insurance required

    • May be operated on public roads where permitted

    • Not permitted on public sidewalks



    Relevant Alabama Code


    • Definition and Equipment Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-1-1.1


    • Registration Requirements: Alabama Code Title 32


    • Liability Insurance Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-7A-4

  • Motorcycle

    What is it? A motorcycle is a motor/electric vehicle designed to travel on no more than three wheels and is equipped with a seat or saddle for the rider. It does not have pedals and does not use human assist.


    Rules and Requirements

    • Minimum operator age: 16

    • Motorcycle license (Class M) required

    • Valid license plate required

    • Liability insurance required

    • Helmet required

    • Shoes required

    • Must obey all traffic laws

    • May be operated on public roads

    • Not permitted on public sidewalks



    Relevant Alabama Code


    • Definition: Alabama Code § 32-12-20


    • Licensing Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-12-22


    • Helmet and Footwear Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-12-22


    • Liability Insurance Requirements: Alabama Code § 32-7A-4

  • Bicycle

    What is it?A bicycle is any device propelled by human power with two tandem wheels, at least one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter.


    Rules and Requirements

    • No minimum age requirement

    • No driver's license required

    • May be operated on public roads and designated bike lanes

    • Not permitted on public sidewalk

    • Riders under age 16 must wear a helmet

    • Riders under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when riding on public roads



    Relevant Alabama Code


    • Bicycle Definition: Alabama Code § 32-1-1.1


    • Bicycle Rights and Duties: Alabama Code § 32-5A-260 through 32-5A-266

More

BZA Meeting June 4, 2026

June 6, 2026
100 Acton Avenue; The homeowner requested a variance to extend the existing nonconforming rear wall of the house by six feet in order to move the laundry area from a detached garage into the home. The request was presented as an aging-in-place improvement for longtime residents, with discussion about the home's unusual layout, roof design, plumbing issues in the garage, and limited alternatives for relocating the laundry room. Board members questioned other possible locations for the addition and whether the expansion was necessary. After discussion, the request was denied. 609 Morris Boulevard; The applicant did not appear for the hearing and there had been no recent communication with the board. After a brief discussion, the board voted to postpone the case to the July 9 meeting to allow the applicant another opportunity to present the request. Carried over. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4fTi10m

Planning Commission June 2, 2026

June 3, 2026
The Planning Commission had a short agenda this month, focusing on two property related items. 617 Warwick Road: This request involved a resurvey and lot line adjustment between the two properties after a fence issue and a property transfer between neighboring owners. The updated survey reconfigured the lots to match the new property ownership and boundaries. No public comments were made, and the Planning Commission approved the resurvey request. Approved. 1832 25th Court South: The City of Homewood requested a rezoning to correct an inconsistency created when a portion of property near the Lee Community Center was sold and combined with an existing residential lot. The change would place the entire parcel under a single zoning classification and bring the zoning map in line with the current property boundaries and land use. Commissioners noted the change would not affect the active Lee Community Center property and would simply make the combined parcel consistent with surrounding residential uses. The Planning Commission approved the rezoning request and forwarded it to the City Council with a positive recommendation. Added to the council meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4dVER59

Homewood Has Healthy Finances at Mid-Year

May 19, 2026
VIEW PRESENTATION On the heels of the positive feedback from residents through the citizen survey , there's more encouraging news, the City’s mid-year financial position is trending in the right direction! At last night's Pre-Council meeting, City Manager Cale Smith presented a strong mid-year budget review showing revenues continue trending ahead of last year while spending remains below 50% halfway through the fiscal year. The City has healthy reserve levels, a current surplus, and has been careful with spending across departments as planning continues for future capital projects and long term financial stability. The Council also discussed a proposed early retirement incentive program for employees already eligible for retirement. This proposal is designed as a benefit for longtime employees, not necessarily as a direct cost savings measure. Similar programs are commonly used in nearby municipalities. You can view the Powerpoint above, or watch the video from that meetings to learn more. Find those subjects at these times: 00:08:15 Early Retirement Incentive 00:32:18 Mid Year Budget Review 

Pre-Council & Council Meetings May 18, 2026

May 19, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - May 18, 2026 The May 18 Pre Council discussion focused on the city’s mid year budget review, with revenues trending ahead of last year and expenses staying just under the halfway mark for the year. Council also discussed a possible early retirement incentive, public works storage improvements, the US 31 pedestrian tunnel landscaping agreement, and future financial policy updates. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4dsE4bw

Pre-Council & Council Meetings May 11, 2026

May 12, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - May 11, 2026 At this Pre-council meeting, city leaders reviewed the results of a major resident survey that showed extremely high satisfaction with life in Homewood, city services, schools, parks, public safety, and overall quality of life. Residents identified key priorities for the future, including preserving Homewood’s character and green space, improving traffic flow, maintaining streets and sidewalks, addressing stormwater and drainage issues, and continuing to build a vibrant downtown. Council members also discussed sidewalk improvement plans along Oxmoor Road tied to a Jefferson County Safe Streets grant application, new flexibility for small department budget transfers, a proposed residential permit fee supporting construction workforce training programs, and several property and alley related requests that will move to future public hearings. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3Pfx9dD

Citizen Survey Results

May 11, 2026
SURVEY REPORT SURVEY MAP Thank you for your feedback! The citywide resident survey responses were overwhelmingly positive in nearly every category measured, including quality of life, public safety, schools, parks, and library services. Nearly 99% of residents surveyed rated Homewood as a good or excellent place to live, while 98% said it is a good or excellent place to raise children. One of the biggest takeaways from the report was how strongly Homewood compared to other communities. We scored higher than the national average in 47 out of 49 categories measured, including public safety, customer service, parks, schools, and overall satisfaction with the city. For future planning, residents placed a strong emphasis on preserving Homewood’s character and history, protecting trees and green space, improving drainage, and creating a vibrant downtown. This data gives City leaders a clearer picture of both the strengths residents value most and the areas where continued investment is expected. The results will help shape future planning discussions, budgeting priorities, infrastructure projects, and long term decisions connected to Homewood’s growth and future development.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Stormwater Pipe to Be Repaired

May 9, 2026
Beginning this Monday, May 11, repairs will begin on a large stormwater pipe near Rosedale Drive and 18th Street South. The work is expected to impact traffic in the area for about a week, so please plan ahead and use alternate routes if possible.  The turn lanes heading toward 18th Street and downtown will be heavily impacted and closed at times during the project. The right turn lane will remain open and should not be affected.

BZA Meeting May 7, 2026

May 8, 2026
The May 7 Board of Zoning Adjustments meeting focused on several residential addition requests and a major corporate relocation tied to new signage approvals. Arlington Properties received approval for new building signage at the 20th Place office tower near Highway 280 and Red Mountain Expressway as the company prepares to relocate its corporate headquarters to Homewood, bringing around 100 employees into the city and filling a large office vacancy. Two homeowners in Edgewood also received approval for second floor additions that stay within their existing home footprints while working around older lot layouts and floodplain limitations. Two previously scheduled cases at Morris Boulevard and Westover Drive were postponed until the June meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4eA3Dts

Samford Architecture Students Focus on Rosedale Area

May 7, 2026
A group of Samford University architecture students spent this semester studying a very familiar part of our community, the edge of downtown near Rosedale. The project centered on the stretch along 18th Street at the northern edge of downtown Homewood. This is the point where downtown starts to transition and connect into surrounding neighborhoods, especially Rosedale. This is a regular part of the architecture program, using real places to help students work through real situations. This year, they were looking closely at how that part of Homewood functions today and how it could better connect, particularly between downtown and the historic Rosedale neighborhood just behind it. Students took a close look at walkability, public space, and how people move through the area. Some explored ways to add green space and create places people would want to gather. Others focused on how new development could either strengthen or take away from what is already there. Those ideas grew into detailed concepts shaped by both individual work and team effort. As the semester came to a close, all of the concepts and designs were shared with Homewood City leaders and local architects, offering a chance for them to listen and offer feedback. Mayor Jennifer Andress shared that the presentations provided real insight, even in an area she already knows well. She noted that students helped highlight a drop in walkability north of 28th Avenue, which aligns with ongoing conversations about where more work is still needed along that corridor. While these projects are not being selected as official plans, the value comes from what they reveal. What stood out most was the care the students showed toward Rosedale. There was a clear effort to respect its history while still thinking about how the area can grow in a thoughtful way. That balance is not easy, but it came through in many of the designs. City leaders walked away with real gratitude for Samford and the role it plays in offering this kind of learning, which not only shapes students but also brings meaningful insight back into the community.

Comprehensive Plan

May 5, 2026
The early results from citizen engagement offers a very positive picture of how residents feel about the city, while also helping shape priorities for the future. And citizen-survey responses showed overwhelming satisfaction with quality of life in Homewood, especially when it comes to schools, parks, public safety, and neighborhood character. At the same time, residents made it clear they want to protect what makes Homewood special while continuing to address important challenges like traffic, drainage, sidewalks, infrastructure, and connectivity across the city. Feedback from workshops and surveys will help guide long term planning discussions as Homewood works on a roadmap for the next 25 years. Homewood’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. Since then, a lot has changed, and more change is coming. With the city moving to a Council-Manager form of government , this is a key time to clarify what matters most to residents. The plan will help inform capital improvements, public service priorities, housing trends, transportation needs, and future land use. It will also give newly elected officials clear direction on what the community values. Your Voice, Your City Every resident will have a chance to be involved. This isn’t just a document, it’s a shared vision for Homewood’s future, shaped by the people who live here. The plan will reflect the needs of each of the city’s four wards and identify short, medium, and long-term projects for both public and private investment. Whether it's about where new housing fits, what kinds of businesses we want, or how we move around, this process is about making those choices together. Previous Meetings PUBLIC MEETING 4 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 PUBLIC MEETING 3 Tuesday, May 19, 2026 WATCH VIDEO VIEW PRESENTATION PUBLIC MEETING 2 Thursday, January 29, 2026 PUBLIC MEETING 1 Wednesday, January 28, 2026 WATCH WORKSHOP VIDEO
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