Ashland board discusses banning e‑bikes in parks; staff says park board lacks authority, public hearing required

A presenter for the park board (Presenter, S8) told the Ashland board that complaints have mounted about electric bikes on the town walking trail, describing people "going very fast, making people uncomfortable" and asking the board to consider banning motorized recreational devices from park property except for "legitimate handicap type transport."

City staff (Staff member, S5) clarified that the park board itself does not have the legal authority to enact a ban and that the Board of Aldermen would need to hold a formal public hearing before adopting any ordinance affecting parks or a citywide restriction. "The park board does not have the power to do that. Only you as the board have the power to do that," S5 said.

An agency official (S3) cautioned that Missouri law classifies many self-propelled devices differently — classes 1, 2 and 3 e‑bikes, scooters, ATVs and other wheeled devices — and that those definitions complicate enforcement. "It's not as simple as, well, it's a bicycle to the motor," S3 said, urging careful drafting so signs and penalties align with state rules.

Several aldermen and residents described near-misses and property damage from high speeds on trails and sidewalks; one resident said groups of teens riding on sidewalks startled an older walker. Council discussion focused on tradeoffs: a parks-only ban could protect trail users, while a sidewalk ban might push riders into streets where enforcement and safety are different problems.

A motion was made and seconded to set a public hearing to consider banning e‑bikes from parks or certain areas of town. The transcript of the session provided here does not contain an unambiguous roll-call or final outcome for that motion. Staff said it needs direction on whether to draft an ordinance limited to parks or scoped citywide and that staff would schedule a public hearing if the board directs that path.