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Board weighs banning throttle e-bikes from Kiwanis pump track over safety concerns
Summary
Members raised safety and liability concerns after finding throttle-equipped e-bikes on the Kiwanis pump track; the board discussed class distinctions for e-bikes, signage options, and asked staff to return with model policies for potential action.
Board members discussed drafting signage or a policy to exclude throttle-equipped e-bikes from the Kiwanis pump track after Dallas City Pedallers representative Dwight Scott reported finding two throttle-style e-cycles at the site. “I went out the day after we worked on the pump track and found 2, not e bikes, but I would call them e cycles out there,” Scott said, describing throttle-only models that can damage the track surface and create safety risks.
Discussion centered on differences between Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only) and Class 2 or 3 models that include throttles and higher speeds. Several board members flagged liability questions for the city if motorized devices cause injuries on city property and suggested clearer signage such as “pedal bicycles only” or explicitly prohibiting motorized vehicles on the pump track. One staff member noted some jurisdictions permit Class 1 bikes on trails but not throttle-equipped models on dirt tracks.
No formal code change or vote was taken; board members asked staff to research model signage and policies used by other cities and return with a draft for further discussion. The board indicated a likely preference for allowing Class 1 e-bikes on general trails but restricting throttle-equipped Class 2/3 bikes from the pump track itself because of damage and safety concerns.
Next steps: staff will compile examples and draft language for a future meeting.
