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Keene committee backs limit on electric-motor use in downtown bike lanes, 4–1
Summary
The Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee recommended adoption of ordinance O2025‑33 (b‑version), adding a prohibition on engaging electric motors for devices within the downtown core zoning district; the recommendation passed 4–1 after debate about enforceability and exemptions for mobility devices.
Keene’s MSFI committee voted to recommend adoption of an amended bicycle-and-device ordinance (O2025‑33, b‑version) that would prohibit any device with an electric motor from engaging that motor within the downtown core zoning district, a change intended to limit motorized propulsion on bike lanes and multiuse paths in the city center.
Public Works Director Donald presented an a‑version of the draft ordinance and said the revised redlined packet included language extending rules to “bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, or similar devices, including electrically propelled or assisted versions of such devices.” The city attorney offered alternative wording to avoid ambiguity: “any device with an electric motor may not engage the electric motor within the downtown core zoning district.”
Debate focused on practical enforceability and the ordinance’s effect on mobility‑assistance devices. Councilor Workman said the motor‑engagement prohibition is largely unenforceable: “Even if you say don't engage your electric motor, who in the heck's gonna monitor that?” Other councilors and members of the public warned against displacing people who rely on electric mobility devices and urged explicit exemptions. The public clarification from staff and the city attorney: existing sidewalk and mobility-device exceptions would remain in place; the proposed ordinance language is not intended to restrict ADA‑defined mobility devices.
Several bike advocates and residents described safety benefits of including electric bikes in bike‑lane planning. Lynn Sterling, who identified herself as an electric‑bike owner, said electric bicycles should be part of downtown lanes so riders of different ages can travel together safely. Jim Sterling, who also testified in support, said European examples show ebike inclusion can work.
After deliberation and minor language adjustments to specify the downtown core zoning district, the committee voted 4–1 to recommend adoption of O2025‑33 (b‑version). The record shows the committee expects the revised language to proceed to full council consideration; committee members also asked staff to confirm enforcement mechanisms and statutory fine levels before final council action.
The ordinance is designed to apply primarily to the new, grade‑separated downtown bike lanes and related multiuse paths. The city attorney and staff repeatedly emphasized that the city cannot craft ordinances that contradict state law and that the intent is to supplement, not replace, state requirements for bicycles and related devices.
Next steps: staff will provide clarified enforcement/fine information to committee and the ordinance will be scheduled for City Council action.
