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Committee reviews MPO draft on e-bikes and 'eMotos,' flags enforcement and trail-safety gaps
Summary
Members reviewed a Greater Madison MPO draft about e-bikes and micromobility and raised concerns about 'eMotos' (high-speed, throttle-driven devices) on trails, ambiguity in the MPO graphic and enforcement limits; staff noted Middleton allows bicycles on sidewalks except where buildings are within 5 feet of the sidewalk edge.
The committee reviewed Greater Madison MPO materials that define classes of e-bikes (class 1, 2, 3) and introduce a separate category for higher-speed or throttle-equipped devices often called "eMotos." Scott said the MPO graphic uses asterisks and question marks because municipal ordinances vary and staff hopes to get an editable Middleton-specific version.
Kirsten and other members expressed alarm about eMotos on trails: "They're very dangerous. Most municipalities do not allow class 3 e-bikes on any trails, anything with throttle that are not pedal assist," one member said, noting damage and safety problems on mountain-bike and conservancy trails. Committee members urged clear local rules and better public education.
Scott summarized Middleton’s sidewalk rule: "This section of our ordinance says, bicycles may be operated on all sidewalks except where adjacent buildings are 5 feet or less from the nearest edge of the sidewalk." Members discussed how that local rule interacts with e-bike class definitions and asked staff to produce a Middleton-specific graphic that replaces MPO question marks with clear local permissions.
On enforcement, members noted fines or tickets may be hard to enforce but still useful as a formal standard; they recommended a public-awareness campaign, signage and speed-awareness demonstrations as part of implementation. Accessibility concerns were raised: committee members reminded staff that OPDMDs (wheelchairs used by people with disabilities) must be treated as pedestrians and explicitly included in guidance rather than grouped with recreational devices.
Staff will seek a Middleton-specific version of the MPO graphic, draft clarifying language for the plan about where different classes are allowed, and coordinate communications and signage for public education.
