Commission refines e-bike and personal mobility-device ordinance; education requirement proposed

On second reading the commission considered Ordinance 2026‑68 to regulate personal mobility devices — including electric bicycles and scooters — consistent with state statute. Ms. Prince and Police Chief Tambasco (present) explained several proposed changes: raise the roadway speed cap to 25 mph (from 20), allow motorized operation on multi‑use paths at 10 mph, prohibit devices in park green spaces (explicitly including the golf course and certain other public open spaces), and clarify where human‑power-only rules apply (removing multi‑use paths from that restriction).

Enforcement and education were central to commission discussion. Chief Tambasco said the department proposes a warning on first contact, a required educational course on second contact (certificate to be provided within 30 days), and $50 fines for subsequent infractions. The city will publish an approved course list and pursue outreach with schools. Commissioners pressed whether more aggressive sanctions or confiscation were allowed; staff said state law limits confiscation and that education plus progressive fines is the recommended approach.

Commissioners also sought clearer park carve-outs for small children and tricycles; staff said the city’s discretion and officer judgment would limit enforcement against young children in practice and that the statutory definition of "bicycle" centers on two-wheeled vehicles. The commission approved the second-reading package with the proposed amendments and directed staff to prepare a third-reading packet with legal opinions and finalized language.

A public third reading is scheduled (staff suggested July 7) to adopt final text after the commission reviews the refined ordinance language and associated enforcement protocols.