Mercer Island boards pause on proposed e‑bike restrictions after public comment and enforcement concerns

The Parks and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Conservancy Trust on Jan. 8 reviewed a staff proposal to restrict e‑bike and e‑scooter use in Mercer Island parks and open spaces, but chose to delay sending a recommendation to the City Council after public testimony and detailed questioning about enforcement, trail exceptions and community outreach.

Amelia Chaden, management analyst, told the joint session that the council had directed staff in May 2025 to develop an ordinance regulating e‑bikes and e‑motorcycles. "Under state law, an e‑bike means a bicycle with either 2 or 3 wheels that has a saddle, fully operative pedals, and an electric motor with a power output that does not exceed 750 watts," Chaden said, outlining the three e‑bike classes (Class 1 and 2 assist to 20 mph; Class 3 assists to 28 mph) and the staff recommendation.

The proposal would prohibit Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes and lawful e‑scooters from parks and open spaces except on paved trails (defined in staff materials as asphalt, concrete, brick and stone pavers) and would prohibit Class 3 e‑bikes from parks and open spaces entirely. Chaden said the policy was modeled on King County rules and consistent with WSDOT, Seattle and Bellevue…