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Hanford moves to regulate e‑bikes, e‑scooters and e‑skateboards; first reading amended to avoid watt cap
Summary
Council directed staff to proceed with first reading of an ordinance regulating e‑conveyances after police recommended rules on permitted locations, passenger restrictions and fines. Council asked staff to drop a 750‑watt motor cap and rely on mph limits and existing state e‑bike classes to avoid obsolete wattage references.
The Hanford City Council on Dec. 16 advanced a proposed ordinance to regulate electric bikes, scooters and skateboards after police described a recent rise in collisions and one fatality.
Police recommended limiting e‑conveyance use to sidewalks, bike paths and roads that allow them unless posted otherwise, requiring riders to yield to pedestrians and to use audible signals before passing, prohibiting e‑conveyances on playgrounds and at certain special events, and imposing graduated administrative fines for repeat violations. The police presentation proposed maximum speeds by device type (e‑scooters 15 mph, e‑skateboards 20 mph, e‑bikes 20–28 mph depending on class) and suggested alignment with state infraction amounts.
Council asked about enforcement, helmet education and the technological reality that many current e‑bikes exceed a 750‑watt motor figure referenced in the draft. Police recommended removing the 750‑watt motor cap and instead describing bikes by their speed capabilities and referencing state e‑bike classes to avoid outdated watt‑based language. Chief Huddleston said the department will pursue public‑education efforts in schools, digital flyers and safety presentations.
Council moved, with staff’s amendment to remove the 750‑watt reference and rely on mph and class distinctions, to waive full first reading and introduce the ordinance by title. Staff said fines, appeals and appeal timelines would be set consistent with municipal code chapter 8.11 and state guidance.
What happens next: Staff will finalize ordinance language consistent with council direction (removing the 750‑watt motor reference and clarifying speed/class language) and proceed with the statutory reading/ordinance process.
