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Riverview council to circulate draft e-bike ordinance after safety concerns raised
Summary
Councilmembers discussed a draft e-bike ordinance that would give police clearer enforcement authority, consider park and trail restrictions, and address speed and battery-safety issues; staff will circulate the draft to council and Chief Allen for vetting ahead of a study session.
Councilmembers discussed public safety concerns about e-bikes and directed staff to circulate a draft ordinance prepared by legal counsel.
Councilmember O'Neil described recent dangerous riding and urged the council to avoid delaying an ordinance until mid- or late August. Legal counsel has prepared a draft and the manager said it can be circulated to council and Chief Allen for review ahead of a potential second-week-of-August study session.
Chief Allen (police) explained a bicycle is considered a vehicle and therefore has roadway rights and duties, but the city can expand rules — for example, restricting e-bike use in parks, establishing age or helmet requirements tied to e-bike class, and prohibiting certain sidewalk use if the council decides. The chief also noted concerns about top speed and lithium-ion battery hazards when modified or damaged.
Councilmembers urged quick vetting and suggested circulating the draft ordinance to the full council and chief for final input so the council can decide whether to bring it forward before the next study session. No ordinance was adopted; the matter moves to staff/legal review and internal circulation first.
