Garfield council adopts ordinance restricting e-bikes and e-scooters in parks and on sidewalks

The Garfield Mayor and Council adopted Ordinance 3110 on Dec. 9, 2025, establishing rules for electric bicycles and electric scooters in the city and prohibiting their operation on sidewalks and in public parks except on designated bicycle paths. The ordinance includes definitions, permitted roadway use, and enforcement provisions drafted with input from the police department.

City officials opened the ordinance for final public comment before the vote. A resident told the council that a family member had been severely injured in a traffic collision and urged the council to consider safety measures for children who ride motorized scooters and e-bikes. The resident said the devices can be fast and dangerous in pedestrian areas.

Council members described the ordinance as a locally tailored enforcement tool that supplements state traffic law. A council member identified in the record as Delaney called the ordinance “a start,” saying the measure begins to address reckless riding and related quality-of-life concerns. Other council members emphasized parental responsibility, the difficulty police face when attempting to pursue young riders, and the hope for stronger statewide rules in future.

Under the ordinance text presented at the meeting, electric bicycles and scooters are granted the rights of other vehicles when operated on public roadways but are explicitly prohibited from sidewalks and pedestrian-only zones. The ordinance also prohibits their use in public parks except on designated bike paths and public pathways; it sets out enforcement procedures and penalties. City staff said the police helped draft the prohibited areas and penalties.

The council held a roll-call vote on final adoption; the mayor announced that the motion carried. The ordinance had been introduced at an earlier meeting and was scheduled for final consideration after the public hearing. The council indicated enforcement would focus on safety in parks and pedestrian areas and on repeated or careless operation of devices.

The council did not attach a local age limit or vehicle-speed cap to this ordinance; members said such changes would likely require state-level action or future local amendments. The ordinance will be filed and advertised as required by law; the city clerk will publish notices of the adoption and next steps.

Next steps: the ordinance is now adopted; enforcement details and any educational outreach to parents and youth will be handled by police and city staff.