Parks commission recommends ordinance to restrict high-speed electric vehicles on multiuse trails

The Coeur d'Alene Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 15 unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt a new municipal code chapter to regulate motorized vehicles on trails and multiuse paths, including clearer limits on e-bikes, e-motorcycles and other electric devices.

Monty McCully, presenting the staff report, told commissioners that the recommendation would add a new Chapter 4.4o to the municipal code, repeal sections 10-40-10(a) and 10-40-50, and amend section 10-40-30 to “locate [existing rules] in one spot, remove contradictions, and define what is allowed, what is not, and then penalties for violations.” McCully said the work followed public complaints about the speed and type of vehicles on trails and a review of state law governing e-bike categories.

The draft ordinance would allow e-bikes that meet the state safety categories but make clearer that throttle-only devices that exceed safe trail speeds are not appropriate for multiuse paths. McCully said e-motorcycles and some high-speed single-wheel or similar devices have been involved in accidents and frequently exceed what the staff considers safe for shared-use paths. “Some of these companies will sell pedals, fake pedals to put on to try to fool people,” McCully said. “They can go, like, 40 or 45, 50 miles an hour. And they’ll take off down the trail in packs.”

Commission discussion focused on enforcement and the ordinance’s practical effect. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized education as the first step. “I like to focus on education and later enforcement if need be,” one commissioner said before making the motion to recommend adoption. McCully and other staff told commissioners the police department had been involved in drafting the approach and that enforcement would include education, selective checkpoints in busy areas and the ability to issue citations after incidents. Officers are not expected to chase vehicles along trails for safety reasons.

The ordinance proposes a posted 15 mph speed guideline for trails; staff said the state class definitions for e-bikes (commonly referred to as Class 1, 2 and 3) remain relevant for distinctions such as pedal-assist versus throttle modes, but that local signage and enforcement would emphasize keeping speeds down on shared facilities.

The commission voted to send the recommendation to council; the item will proceed to the council process (general services review pending schedule).