Riding Safely
June 8, 2026

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



    Relevant Alabama Code


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


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

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Discover Homewood Neighborhoods

October 13, 2026
How much do you know about the history of the neighborhood you drive through every day? There is a new way to find out. The Homewood Historic Preservation Commission has created a self guided driving tour that takes you through the people, places and neighborhoods that helped shape Homewood. The tour includes 16 audio and text stops covering Homewood’s five historic wards. You can start wherever you want and explore just one area, or take about an hour and experience the entire tour. Along the way, you will hear stories from Rosedale, West Homewood, Edgewood, Lakeshore, Mayfair and Windsor, and Hollywood. The tour includes the Rosedale Historic District, Edgewood Lake, the old Zelosophian Academy site, the Pink House, the McDaniel House, Samford University and the historic homes of Hollywood. You will also see historic photographs collected from the Homewood Public Library, Birmingham Public Library Archives and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. And you may recognize the voice telling the stories. The tour is narrated by Shelia Snoddy, known to many from her years in radio as Jill Friday. Development was funded by the City of Homewood and in part through a Historic Preservation Fund Grant in Aid from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The free tour is available through the TravelStorys app for iOS and Android and can also be explored online Learn More Here

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 12, 2026

October 12, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 12 2026

Rep. Sewell Secures $250K for Stormwater Improvements

October 7, 2026
More federal funding is coming to Homewood to address stormwater issues. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell presented a check for $250,000 to the City of Homewood. This funding was obtained through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process and is designated for stormwater improvements. It will be used to provide upgrades and expand culvert capacity in the residential neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School to help reduce localized street flooding and better protect nearby homes and infrastructure. This follows an earlier $1 million federal allocation from Rep. Sewell in 2024 that will be used for a drainage culvert project along Griffin Creek in the Huntington Road area. That project continues to work its way through the required process, with construction currently hoped to begin in 2027.

Planning Commission Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 2026
The Planning Commission approved a resurvey at 215 West Valley Avenue, where a small restaurant is proposed. The Commission also considered changes for a proposed Dutch Bros too be placed at 832 Green Springs Highway, recommending approval of a reduced landscape buffer, but voting 4 to 2 against allowing full access for traffic to flow to and from Raleigh Avenue. That request now moves to the City Council for the final decision. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4zeIxYR

Animal Control Partnering w/ GBHS

October 5, 2026
Have a lost pet, need to report a stray or have a wildlife issue? There are several important changes to Homewood Animal Control services beginning Monday, October 5. REPORT A STRAY To report a stray , call Homewood Police non-emergency dispatch at 205-332-6200 . The City of Homewood, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Animal Control are partnering with Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) for these services. FIND YOUR PET If you think your animal may have been picked up by Animal Control, call the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at 205-591-6522 . Stray animals picked up in Homewood are taken to 6227 5th Ave. North in Birmingham until GBHS opens its new facility opens on Sydney Drive, and then they will be taken there. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 11:30am. GBHS is closed Sunday. Fees for picking up an animal may include $50 if the animal is unaltered, a $30 impound fee, a $20 rabies fee if proof of vaccination is not available and a $50 City fee. wildlife issues Call Complete Animal Removal at 205-208-7777 . Homewood Animal Control will not respond to wildlife calls involving animals such as raccoons, possums, snakes, coyotes or foxes. after hours Stray animals will not be picked up after hours. If you report a stray after hours, Animal Control will handle the call the next business day.

BZA Meeting October 1, 2026

October 1, 2026
The Homewood Board of Zoning Adjustments approved three requests. These included new signage for a hotel at 500 Wildwood North Circle, a screened porch addition at 906 Salter Road, and home renovations at 3105 Overton Drive involving setback variances. The board also discussed property slopes, drainage and existing lot conditions as factors in the requests. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4iKyiX6

Traffic Calming Coming to Hambaugh/Dixon Avenues

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process to look at what is happening and determine whether traffic calming measures are needed and what those measures could be. One example is now moving toward a vote. The City received traffic concerns involving Hambaugh Avenue between Columbiana Road and Dixon Avenue, and Dixon Avenue between Broadway Street and Hambaugh Avenue. Traffic data was collected and studied, and both streets qualified for traffic calming measures. The current proposal calls for speed cushions at two locations on Hambaugh Avenue and two locations on Dixon Avenue. The design also takes emergency response into consideration, allowing fire trucks to travel through the middle of the cushions. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal October 12, 6pm at City Hall, 2nd floor Council Chambers . View Drawings of Cushion Locations Visit Traffic Calming Page

Traffic Issues on Your Street?

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process for looking at those concerns and determining whether something should be done and what measures may be appropriate. Traffic calming is not simply putting in a speed hump or adding a sign. It is a process that uses traffic data, engineering standards and input from several City departments to look at what is happening on a street before deciding what, if anything, should change. It starts with a resident submitting a traffic calming request identifying the location and concern. City Engineering reviews the request and collects traffic data so the street can be evaluated using the City’s standards. If the request continues through the process, it receives additional review from the Complete Streets Advisory Committee. Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire also have an opportunity to look at the request. That is important because a possible solution has to consider more than vehicle speed. Things such as the street itself, pedestrian safety, traffic patterns and emergency response can all be part of determining whether a particular measure makes sense. The mayor and the councilor representing the area also review the request before it can advance to the resident petition stage. If the location qualifies and the request continues, affected residents take part in the petition process required by the City’s traffic calming policy. Only after those steps and required approvals are completed can a location move toward an appropriate traffic calming improvement. The goal is not to assume every traffic concern has the same answer. One street may have different conditions and needs than another. The process gives the City a way to collect information, hear from the people who live in the area and determine whether a traffic calming measure is appropriate and safe. Submit a Traffic Calming Request Visit Traffic Calming Page

2027 Budget Approved

September 29, 2026
A city budget is more than a list of numbers. It’s a vital infrastructure that reflects the City’s priorities and determines how resources are used to provide services, support employees and invest in the community. On September 28, the Homewood City Council approved the City’s FY2027 budget. The General Fund is approximately $77 million and supports the day-to-day services residents rely on. Sales and property taxes provide much of the revenue, while personnel costs account for approximately $42 million. The approved budget adds three police officer positions and includes investments in street paving, stormwater projects, sidewalk repairs, replacement vehicles and equipment, and other infrastructure needs throughout the City. In addition to the revenue that supports City operations, one cent of Homewood’s sales tax is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. That penny is expected to generate approximately $11.5 million for Homewood City Schools this year. This was the first budget developed under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. City Manager Cale Smith worked with department heads to identify operational needs and priorities and presented a proposed budget to the City Council. Council members then reviewed the budget through a series of public budget hearings, asked questions and made revisions before approving the final budget. The work does not end with this vote. The City plans to provide monthly reports on revenues and expenditures throughout the year, providing a clearer picture of the City’s financial position on a regular basis. City leadership will also continue evaluating ongoing expenses and revenues to work toward a sustainable budget that provides the services residents expect while responsibly managing the City’s resources. View the September 28 meeting below. View Approved Budget View All Details Inlcuding Budget Hearings

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Sept. 28, 2026

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