Parks committee recommends clearer rules for e‑bikes, requires helmets for under‑18 in City of Victoria parks

The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation Committee voted Aug. 18 to recommend a proposed ordinance to the City Council clarifying which electric bicycles and motorized scooters are permitted on parks and trails and adding a helmet requirement for riders under 18.

The proposed ordinance distinguishes high‑speed, motorcycle‑style electric bikes (which staff say are causing damage and are not permitted) from pedal‑assist bicycles that fit class 1, 2 or 3 definitions. Jenna Smith, a staff member who led the presentation, said the draft expands definitions so residents know "what is and is not permitted within our parks and trails system," and noted the city will supplement the ordinance with website guidance, social media, yard signs and permanent signage.

Travis Bradley, of the City of Victoria community development department, told the committee that many enforcement elements come from state law and clarified device limits: "Under statute passengers aren't allowed. So these are single‑seater vehicles," he said, adding that state statutes set operator ages and device parameters that the city will reference rather than duplicate.

Committee members raised safety and misuse concerns — staff cited examples such as riders doing "donuts" on ball fields and building ramps that cause turf damage — and emphasized that the city intends early enforcement to be educational. The draft ordinance preserves the parks and trails speed limit at 15 mph and draws device definitions from statute to reduce conflicts if state law changes.

On the question of helmets, staff proposed making helmet use mandatory for operators under 18 given injury risks. Bradley summarized the state framework: some e‑bike operations require operators to be at least 15; motorized foot scooters can be limited to ages of 12 and older; class 1 and 2 e‑bikes have different speed/operation rules; class 3 e‑bikes are pedal‑assist devices that can reach higher speeds. Staff said devices that exceed those classifications and operate like mopeds or motorcycles are not appropriate for trails.

The committee approved a motion — moved by Mary Larson — to recommend the ordinance to the City Council. The chair announced the motion carried; staff said they will bring the draft to council for formal adoption and any council changes will be considered then.

The ordinance language and its definitions were presented as largely drawn from state statute; staff said that approach avoids conflicts if the state law changes and reduces maintenance burden for city code. The city will emphasize communication and education as the first line of response, while enforcement would be at the discretion of law enforcement (the county sheriff) once the ordinance is adopted.

What happens next: The Parks & Recreation Committee's recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for consideration and possible adoption. Staff will continue outreach and public education on permitted device classes, speed expectations, helmet requirements for minors, and where higher‑performance devices should be ridden instead of trails.