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Middleton committee reviews e-bike guidance; members press for speed limits, clearer eMoto rules and enforcement
Summary
Committee members urged clearer distinctions between e-bikes and eMotos, recommended posted speed limits on narrow conservancy paths (suggested 10 mph) and 15 mph on other multiuse paths, and discussed enforcement challenges and an education campaign tied to school outreach.
Middleton committee members reviewed a draft e-bike and electric-device guidance graphic and discussed stronger local messaging, enforcement tools and partner outreach.
Kirsten, a committee member, pushed staff to separate eMotos from other electric bikes and to avoid using "pedals" as the distinguishing feature. "EMotos are illegal. They are not legal anywhere but private land," Kirsten said in the meeting and recommended two practical markers: a 750-watt power threshold and a 20-miles-per-hour throttle cutoff to define illegal devices.
Members discussed using posted speed limits on multiuse paths as an enforceable rule: several members proposed a 10-mph limit for the narrow Conservancy loop and a 15-mph guideline for other multiuse trails. "If speed is the primary concern, and it is, then it's speed that should be enforced," a committee member said, urging speed- or power-based distinctions rather than visual cues that can be disguised.
Staff noted enforcement requires coordination: imposing speed limits would need an ordinance, and the police department has begun building capacity for trail patrols (a UTV and a park ranger) but practical enforcement remains challenging. Daphne said the MPO's regional guidance informed the graphic and that the city would coordinate communications with the MPO team and the school district to reach parents and young device users.
Committee members supported a three-legged approach to reduce unsafe use: (1) posted limits where practicable, (2) education for the public (including school outreach), and (3) targeted enforcement and officer training. Staff recommended finalizing the Middleton-specific graphic and distributing it through school newsletters, social media and regional MPO materials.
