Franklin staff present draft rules for e-bikes, e-scooters, motorcycles and play vehicles

City staff presented a working draft of proposed changes to the Franklin Municipal Code covering e-bikes, e-scooters, motorcycles and non-motorized play vehicles and asked aldermen for feedback.

Eric Stuckey told the board staff had met with citizens and prepared a working set of recommendations. Shauna, who carried the presentation, said the purpose "is to establish some clear regulations on e bike bicycles" now that state law provides local authority. The draft groups e-bikes into three classes and proposes where each class may operate: Shauna recommended class 1 and class 2 bikes be allowed on streets, roadways and multiuse paths, while class 3 would be allowed only on streets and roadways and not on sidewalks. She also said helmets would be required for riders 16 and under and for all class 3 riders.

On e-scooters, staff proposed allowing them on streets and roadways but prohibiting them on sidewalks, citing pedestrian safety concerns; reflectors were recommended. Shauna told the board motorcycles and e-motorcycles are governed by state law and the city would follow state rules for licensing, helmets and enforcement, while other noncompliance might be handled in municipal court. Staff proposed allowing non-motorized play vehicles on public streets, roadways and sidewalks but continuing to prohibit them in public buildings and garages. Staff also flagged Segways as motorized devices that should likely be included under the scooter provisions.

Why it matters: The draft attempts to balance safe, predictable use of micromobility devices with pedestrian safety and legal alignment with state rules. The proposals would define where different device classes can operate and set helmet and age requirements that affect riders and enforcement.

Details and next steps: Staff described the draft as a discussion document and asked aldermen for guidance; the transcript shows no final action or vote during the work session. Specific draft elements included allowing play vehicles on public streets, distinguishing e-bike classes for permitted locations, recommending helmet requirements for youth and class 3 riders, and treating Segways similarly to scooters for regulation.

The board did not take a formal vote during the work session; staff requested aldermanic feedback before returning with a revised ordinance for potential future action.