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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 speaker said, "I've personally witnessed them go at high notable speeds... I've also seen them almost run over a group of moms with strollers and young children," and asked the council to ban throttle-equipped devices on trails for public-safety reasons.
Other speakers representing the personal electric vehicle (PEV) community, small businesses and older riders urged a different approach. Charles Dylan Adams, speaking for 1 Wheel Woodstock, said, "Every PEV you see is 1 less car on the road, reducing congestion and naturally calming traffic," and pressed the council to preserve access while addressing reckless behavior through education and targeted enforcement. Ashton Pecos, a Main Street PEV business owner, asked that one-wheels and similar devices be included in any new classification framework and offered industry help with public education.
Several speakers representing trail and cycling communities emphasized nuance: Blankets Creek and other mountain-bike trails were built for human-powered riding and, in one speaker's view, are suitable for Class 1 pedal-assist bikes but not for throttle-controlled 20–30 mph machines. Coaches and longtime cyclists raised enforcement concerns and urged progressive discipline for repeat offenders.
Council members and the mayor summarized recurring themes: there was no appetite among council members for an outright ban of all PEVs, but there was broad agreement on the need for clearly delineated rules (where devices may be ridden and by whom), coordinated standards with neighboring jurisdictions, better signage and an emphasis on education before heavy-handed enforcement. The mayor said staff should work with stakeholders and return with options that balance access, safety and enforceability.
The council recessed briefly and then continued with other business; no final regulatory action was taken that night. Staff were directed to develop proposals reflecting the discussion and public input.
