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Planning board raises safety questions about e‑bikes and micro‑mobility on multiuse paths
Summary
Board members discussed whether electric micromobility devices (e‑bikes, one‑wheels, powered skateboards) should be regulated on multiuse paths and boardwalks, citing safety, speed and enforcement concerns and asking staff to coordinate further with police and commissioners.
A planning board member raised concerns about the safety of electric micromobility devices on the town’s multiuse paths and pedestrian areas, citing national reporting and local observations of high speeds and poor incident classification in injury reports.
"It's very difficult to access the information on the injuries because the injury reports just say accident," the member said, arguing that current records do not differentiate motorized devices from other accidents. Members debated practical responses including posted speed limits, prohibiting motorized equipment on boardwalks or creating separate striped lanes for pedestrians and small electric vehicles.
Kelly (planning staff) said the issue recurs periodically and recommended coordination with the police department and, if needed, with the Board of Commissioners for any regulatory changes. Several members suggested reviewing approaches used in other towns and considering clearer local code language about what the town classifies as sidewalks versus multiuse paths.
No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; board members asked staff to note the topic so it can be explored further with town police and at the commission level if necessary.
