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Residents call for stronger e-bike enforcement; city staff clarifies where e-bikes are allowed
Summary
A resident described a collision with a 13-year-old e-bike rider and urged the council to strengthen e-bike rules for teens. City staff clarified e-bikes are allowed on multi-use paths and on some sidewalks that are specifically marked; staff said maps and further details are available on the city's website.
During the Sept. 4 open-comment period, resident Betsy Neely described a recent collision with a 13-year-old riding an e-bike and urged the council to "strengthen and actively enforce the rules in Boulder around e-bikes, particularly for our teens." Neely said she was surprised to learn there is no minimum age for class 1 and class 2 e-bikes and described high speeds and unsafe riding behavior observed on sidewalks and in parks.
After public comment, a council member asked city staff to clarify where e-bikes are allowed. A staff representative answered, "They are allowed on our multi use paths. There are some sidewalks where that is not possible and they are marked. I don't have the map in front of me, but they are certainly on our website." The response did not confirm age limits; staff said they would share the public commenters suggestions with the transportation team for follow-up.
No ordinance change or formal council direction was adopted at the meeting. Council members and staff acknowledged the safety concerns raised during open comment and indicated staff would provide follow-up information about where e-bikes are permitted and any enforcement options available under current city code.
