Council adopts ordinance setting e-bike rules for Oakley trails; public hearing included throttle concerns

Oakley City Council held a public hearing and on a voice vote adopted Ordinance 2025-01, which revises rules for motorized bicycles and e-bikes on city trails and pathways.

The ordinance permits all classes of e-bikes on city commuter and multi-use pathways that are paved or soft-surface and at least 8 feet wide. On single-track trails the ordinance allows only class 1 and class 2 e-bikes; class 3 e-bikes may be used on single-track trails only by riders age 55 or older or by riders with mobility issues.

Public comment focused on throttle use and rider interactions. "I do have a little bit of an issue with throttles," said Councilmember Smart during the hearing, noting the difference between pedal-assist e-bikes and throttle-only units and concerns about speed and trail conflicts. Another commenter said vehicles without pedals that have an electric motor and high speed would be treated as motor vehicles and therefore be excluded from trails.

Council action: A motion to adopt Oakley City Ordinance 2025-01 passed by voice vote with councilmembers recorded as voting in favor on the record.

Why it matters: The ordinance clarifies where different classes of e-bikes may be ridden on city-maintained trails, and it includes an age- and mobility-based exception for class 3 bikes on single-track trails. The public hearing provided opportunity for residents and councilmembers to raise safety and enforcement concerns; councilmembers said they can revisit the rules if problems emerge.

What happens next: Staff will publish the ordinance and incorporate the new regulations into trail signage and enforcement guidance; councilmembers suggested monitoring trail complaints over the coming season and amending the ordinance if needed.

Ending: Council closed the public hearing after hearing comments and passed the ordinance as noticed on the agenda.