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Commission reviews draft e-bike ordinance changes; staff flags enforcement challenges
Summary
Staff previewed a proposed Chapter 7 traffic-code update and upcoming Chapter 20 park-ordinance changes to address e-bikes, noting Class 1/2 (up to 20 mph) are generally acceptable but faster Class 3 and electric motorcycles pose enforcement and safety questions; the commission will be briefed before park-ordinance action.
Parks staff on March 26 told the commission they received a draft from the city attorney proposing updates to Chapter 7 (traffic code) related to e-bikes and that Chapter 20 (park ordinance) will follow for park-specific rules.
Mike (parks staff) outlined three broad vehicle classes and enforcement concerns: Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes generally top out at about 20 mph and are acceptable in many settings, while Class 3 e-bikes and electric motorcycles reach higher speeds and raise safety and enforcement issues. "The class 3 ebikes, they get up to 26 miles an hour... there's not an appetite for them that I can see, and then the electric motorcycle... I like to ban those from our state, but that's not my call," Mike said.
Staff emphasized that state-designated trails (for example, the Isabon Trail) have different rules and that any local ordinance will need to account for those state-managed sections. Commissioners noted enforcement challenges for higher-powered machines and requested the commission be kept informed; Mike said the chapter 7 update will be shared with the commission as an FYI and Chapter 20 discussion will follow when park-specific language is ready.
No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; staff presented the drafts to start stakeholder discussion and to provide the police department with enforcement guidance if problems arise.
