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Mercer Island boards begin e‑bike study, signal preference for 'prohibit unless excepted' approach in parks
Summary
At a Nov. 12 joint Parks & Recreation Commission and Open Space Conservancy Trust study session, staff reviewed state and local rules for e‑bikes, e‑scooters and electric motorcycles; residents pushed for rules, signage and enforcement, and commissioners signaled support for a default prohibition in parks with narrowly defined exceptions for connectivity and paved trails.
Mercer Island officials spent a Nov. 12 special joint meeting mapping policy options for electric bicycles, scooters and electric motorcycles in parks and open space, with residents urging clearer rules, signage and enforcement and staff promising a menu of options for follow‑up meetings.
Management analyst Amelia James opened the staff presentation by distinguishing electric motorcycles from e‑bikes and summarizing recently adopted city motorcycle regulations. She told the boards the council adopted "ordinance number 25 c dash 2 door" in September to regulate electric motorcycles, which staff said are defined in part by motor power above 750 watts or the ability to provide assistance past 28 miles per hour; those vehicles will be prohibited from sidewalks, pedestrian paths and parks except on parking areas or roads, and staff said the ordinance’s requirements for licensing and registration take effect Jan. 1.
James and recreation manager Ryan Daley then reviewed Washington state definitions for e‑bikes: vehicles with pedals and a motor of up to 750 watts separated…
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