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Cottonwood Heights explores ordinance to regulate e‑scooters and e‑bikes amid safety concerns
Summary
Police Chief Russo told council that rising scooter and e‑bike use has led to accidents and urged local regulation. The council asked staff to draft options covering age and speed limits, helmet requirements for under‑18s, sidewalk restrictions, permitted trails, lighting, and enforcement, and to return with specific recommendations.
Police Chief Russo told the City Council that e‑scooter and e‑bike adoption is growing and that the city has seen an increasing number of accidents involving these vehicles. With no comprehensive state standard in place, Chief Russo recommended the city draft a local ordinance addressing age limits, power/speed classes, sidewalk use, trail and park access, lighting and braking requirements, proof of ownership and penalties.
The chief proposed a baseline age (16 was discussed as a point of comparison to driver age) and noted state helmet laws apply to under‑18s; he also referenced vehicle power/weight limits used in other jurisdictions as a regulatory tool. Council members raised concerns about balancing family burdens (some wanted lower ages for utility purposes), enforceability, and the suitability of sidewalks and multiuse trails for faster e‑bikes. Members asked staff to research classifications, sample speed limits (for example, a 25 mph cap on roads where posted speed limits are 25 mph or less), and trail policies used by neighboring jurisdictions.
Council generally supported directing staff and the police to craft ordinance options and to return with specific language and enforcement considerations. Chief Russo said staff would draft model provisions and strike items that prove impractical, such as burdensome proof‑of‑ownership requirements.
