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City staff to amend code to treat e-bikes like e-scooters on sidewalks; ordinance is advisory (informational item)
Summary
Sandy's risk manager presented an informational amendment to city code Chapter 10‑9 to prohibit electric bicycles on sidewalks and to clarify age limits; staff described the change as advisory and not focused on active citation enforcement.
Sandy City’s risk manager presented an informational amendment on April 29 that would expand existing sidewalk prohibitions for electric scooters to include electric bicycles (e-bikes) under Chapter 10‑9 of the Sandy City Code.
Megan Sundquist, the city’s risk manager, told council the amendment’s central intent is to prohibit operation of certain e-bikes on sidewalks “for the safety of pedestrians and the e‑bike riders.” Sundquist described the update as adding e-bikes to an ordinance that already addresses e-scooters. She and city attorneys said the change is primarily a policy statement rather than a new enforcement regime; the ordinance would allow staff and first responders to point to age limits and safety guidance in the event of an incident, but routine citations were not expected.
Council members asked about the age restrictions and enforcement. Sundquist and staff clarified the proposed text includes several age‑related provisions (text as presented at the meeting): - e‑scooter riders should be at least 18 years of age; an owner shall not knowingly permit a person under 18 to operate an e‑scooter. - An individual under 16 may not operate a Class 3 e‑bike. - An individual under 14 may not operate an e‑scooter or any e‑bike with the electric motor engaged on public property, highway, or path unless under direct parental supervision. - An individual under 8 may not operate an e‑scooter or e‑bike with the motor engaged on public property, highway, or path.
Staff and legal counsel said the text draws in part on administrative practice and interdepartmental feedback; one councilmember noted the rules are Sandy‑specific and not mandated by state law. Several council members signaled support for the pedestrian safety focus and suggested helmets be recommended; staff said helmet requirements would raise additional enforcement questions.
Because the item was presented as an informational code amendment, council did not take a formal vote but asked staff to advance the draft ordinance through formal review.
