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Commission asks staff to study electric-bike and scooter rules after reported child injury
Summary
Following a reported electric-bike incident that injured a child, Commissioner Kristen Deaton asked staff to research how other jurisdictions regulate e-bikes and scooters; commissioners directed staff to return with options or a workshop on potential local rules and park signage.
Commissioner Kristen Deaton told the commission she had witnessed an incident in which an electric bike injured a child and asked staff to research how other municipalities and the state regulate e-bikes and scooters (including sidewalk use, speed rules and park access).
Deaton said she wanted staff to gather examples and provide guidance so the commission could consider whether a local ordinance, signage or other measures are appropriate. Mayor Jason Leslie and other commissioners acknowledged similar concerns in neighboring cities and agreed that staff should review existing approaches and present options.
Commissioner Travis Sargent and others stressed a balanced approach: Sargent said he was not in favor of "super strict" regulations but recognized safety concerns and suggested staff consider signage and targeted measures for parks and high-use areas. The city manager agreed to task staff with the research and return with recommendations or a workshop.
No formal ordinance or regulation was adopted at the meeting; the action was a direction to staff to report back with findings.
