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Council committee advances rules for e-bikes and powered mobility devices on trails
Summary
The Regulations Committee recommended passage of three ordinances updating trail and park rules to define allowed powered mobility devices, set behavior expectations and create a penalty schedule (first offense $15; subsequent fines up to $200; possible confiscation up to $2,500 in severe cases). The committee vote was 8–0.
Andrew Downs, chief of staff for Mayor Sharon Tucker, presented three ordinances (G260203, G260204, G260205) that update definitions for bicycles and powered mobility devices, align some definitions with Indiana code, and set behavior and enforcement expectations for trails and sidewalks. Downs said the intent is to "reflect the changes that have happened in human and powered mobility devices" and to give the Fort Wayne Police Department clear code language for education and enforcement.
The draft includes rules such as yielding to slower users, giving an audible signal when passing, avoiding sudden or erratic movements and maintaining a reasonable speed. Downs said the ordinance includes exemptions for devices used for disability purposes and for public safety and maintenance operations. He described the enforcement approach as educational with fines used for persistent or disruptive behavior.
Council members pressed staff on enforcement and penalties. Downs and staff said initial fines start at $15 for a first offense and escalate from $25 up to $200 for subsequent violations, and that repeated or egregious unauthorized use could lead to vehicle confiscation with a theoretical maximum assessed value cited in the language. Councilman Inslee and others emphasized signage and public information; staff said signage and QR codes will be considered to help users understand the rules.
The committee recorded an 8–0 due-pass recommendation. The ordinances will proceed to the council’s regular session for final passage.
