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Council advances first reading of ordinance restricting e-bikes and scooters on sidewalks
Summary
On first reading, the council approved amendments to restrict electric bikes, scooters and skateboards from sidewalks in downtown and from parks citywide. Council members praised the intent but asked staff and the city attorney to narrow one clause that some said could be overly broad before second reading.
The Berkeley City Council on July 20 held and passed first reading of an ordinance to amend city code to regulate electric bicycles, skateboards and scooters. The ordinance would prohibit those devices from sidewalks in the downtown district, prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks anywhere in the city, and prohibit e-bikes, e-scooters and skateboards in parks.
Several council members supported the overall safety intent but sought clarifications. One council member said a provision in section 106-401(d) read "overly broad" and could allow a traffic-control officer to prohibit riding on essentially any public property without describing conditions for its use. That council member suggested language such as "temporary" be added or otherwise narrowed so the clause would be applied only in limited, event-driven circumstances.
City staff and the city attorney said they had discussed possible revisions and would return with adjusted language at the second reading. Council members also emphasized the need for public education about where devices may be operated and for clear signage; staff said communications and public safety would run public awareness efforts in parallel with ordinance work.
Council members raised child-safety concerns and the reality that devices and classifications have outpaced state law. The city attorney noted local authority limits under state law and that some penalties in state statute are classified as misdemeanors, constraining local reclassification options.
The first reading passed by roll call. Staff said they will propose edited language for the second reading to address the concerns raised.
