Council begins ordinance update on e-bikes and e-motos, weighing class distinctions and operator responsibility

Council held an extended preliminary discussion July 6 about updating local ordinances to address emerging personal electric devices—classed e-bikes, scooters and so-called e-motos—and staff said a formal draft will return for council review.

Staff explained current downtown ordinances reference only bicycles and do not account for the variety of electric personal mobility devices now in use. Staff outlined three e-bike classes by assisted speed (class 1 and 2 up to about 20 mph; class 3 up to about 28 mph) and said some jurisdictions treat class 3 differently on multiuse trails and paths. The Redbud Trail was cited as a location council should consider when deciding whether to allow class 3 e-bikes on multipurpose paths.

Public-safety staff and council members raised concerns about operator age, helmet requirements and enforcement. The city’s public-safety representative noted certain e-motos—fully electric, throttle-controlled vehicles—are treated as motor vehicles under state law and may already be subject to licensing and helmet rules; staff said municipalities can add more stringent local rules such as age limits and helmet mandates. Several council members urged including school routes and visibility issues in the planning and public-education materials.

Staff proposed publishing a clear table for residents that shows device types, photos and where each is allowed to simplify public understanding and reduce enforcement needs. The discussion was a preliminary step; staff said it will draft ordinance language, distribute it for feedback and return with formal recommendations.