Council advances package of ordinances on electric devices, sidewalks and bicycle rules

City staff presented a set of municipal-code amendments that would define electric devices and clarify where certain classes of devices may be ridden. Ordinances including 2-20-26 and 3-20-26 (definitions for electric devices and bicycles) and ordinances 4–9 related to riding behavior were moved, amended in places, and approved on second or third readings as appropriate.

Council discussion centered on device-class distinctions and sidewalk access. Members noted class 4 devices are treated under state law as licensed vehicles and therefore are excluded from sidewalk use under the draft ordinance. Several councilors asked staff and legal to clean up class 3 and class 4 definitions and to add clarifying language about sidewalk sections (for example, Bent Street downtown exceptions) before final readings. One council member requested inserting a size or speed limit for electric devices to avoid allowing higher-speed devices on sidewalks.

Where votes occurred the transcript records voice votes advancing ordinances on second reading (most) and approving some on third reading. Council asked staff to return refined language for class definitions, sidewalk exceptions, and taillight requirements for electric devices before final adoption.