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Panel recommends ordinance to clarify enforcement for electric mini-bikes and juvenile riders
Summary
The commission voted to recommend draft e-bike language to the Board of Aldermen that would allow enforcement against unsafe electric mini-bike operation and make it unlawful for a parent to permit a child under 17 to violate traffic laws or helmet requirements.
The Brentwood Public Safety Commission voted Jan. 28 to recommend proposed ordinance language to the Board of Aldermen aimed at clarifying enforcement of electric mini-bikes, scooters and similar motorized bicycles.
Alderwoman Sunny Sims moved to recommend the proposed ordinance; Alderwoman Sharon Harter seconded the motion, which carried on a unanimous roll call (Sims, Gould, Harter, Plufka — all aye). The draft language reviewed by the city attorney would reclassify certain electric-powered mini-bikes so officers can take lawful enforcement action and would make it unlawful for a parent to permit a child under 17 to operate an electric bicycle in violation of traffic laws and helmet requirements.
Commission discussion centered on complaints about juvenile operators ignoring traffic laws and concerns about public-safety risks on local roadways. Commissioners asked for clarity in the ordinance wording to ensure officers could address reckless operation while distinguishing permitted electric bicycles from motor vehicles.
The commission's recommendation sends the draft ordinance to the full Board of Aldermen for consideration; the minutes do not record a formal vote by the board on the ordinance.
