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Woodstock council hears hours of public input on e-bikes; staff told to return with rules, education and enforcement options
Summary
After a staff refresher on state e-bike classifications, roughly three dozen residents and stakeholders urged a mix of safety rules, infrastructure and education — with some calling for bans on throttle-equipped devices on trails and others urging measured regulation to preserve accessibility and economic benefits.
Mayor Caldwell opened a non-policy public input session on personal electric vehicles and e-bikes after staff outlined state classifications and usage rules. Melissa Sigmond, community development director, reminded the council that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles under state law while Class 3 devices face more usage restrictions and some motorized devices are treated as vehicles.
The public record showed a split in priorities. Several residents urged prohibiting throttle-equipped e-bikes and motorcycle-like "eMotos" from multiuse trails and downtown sidewalks, citing near-miss incidents and safety risks. One…
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