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County staff say ordinance permits electric golf carts for disabled users on Pine River Trail
Summary
Staff reported that under county ordinances (referencing ordinances 96-22 and 97-21 as amended) motor-propelled vehicles transporting an elderly, disabled or infirm person are permitted on the Pine River Trail without a special permit; county staff will notify the local business that requested to rent electric carts for disabled users.
County staff told the Richland County Public Works Committee that existing county ordinances allow motor-propelled vehicles transporting an elderly, disabled or infirm person to operate on the Pine River Trail, clearing the way for a Lone Rock business owner’s request to rent electric golf carts for disabled users.
The committee heard from the county’s property/parks staff (Speaker 7) and the county’s ordinance researcher (Speaker 4), who said they reviewed ordinance 96-22 and ordinance 97-21 (as amended) and found a provision that permits motor-propelled and electric motor-powered vehicles when used to transport elderly, disabled or infirm people. "Underneath the ordinance, there is no permit that is required as long as the handicapped or disabled person can be on that trail with a golf cart. No questions asked," Speaker 4 said during the meeting.
Why it matters: Allowing electric carts could improve access for people with mobility limitations on the Pine River Trail, a county recreational asset. Staff noted the request was limited to electric carts (no gasoline motors) and emphasized that the county will respond to the inquiring business with the ordinance interpretation and any operational considerations.
Supporting details: Staff also told the committee the trail will receive vegetation spraying and grading work in the coming weeks to improve usability; volunteers and tourism partners are being recruited to help with longer-term maintenance and bridge decking needs. Committee members raised practical concerns about trail width, bridge capacity and the potential for conflicts on narrow structures if carts and other trail users meet on the same span.
Next steps: Staff said they will notify the requester and proceed with any administrative follow-up. If further policy changes are desired (for example, expanding permitted uses beyond transporting disabled users), the committee would need to consider ordinance amendments.
