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Select Board reviews draft rules for e‑bikes and scooters; defers vote pending legal and police input
Summary
The board discussed a draft local regulation to govern e‑bikes and similar devices on town property and town roads, asked staff to clarify rail‑trail jurisdiction under a National Grid lease and to work with the police on enforcement and public education, and agreed to revisit the item after those clarifications.
A draft regulation to govern e‑bikes, scooters and other motorized personal transport devices on town property was presented July 20 by a Select Board member who researched state classifications and local models. The draft would distinguish device classes and set rules for use on parks and sidewalks; it also proposed an initial public education period and a delayed effective date to allow enforcement readiness.
Board members supported safety goals but said several questions remain: whether the town’s 99‑year lease with National Grid gives the town authority to regulate the community rail trail, what device classes to cover (particularly higher‑speed class 3 devices), and how much lead time and police resources are needed for an effective rollout. The police chief’s written input was referenced; board members asked staff to confirm trail authority with town counsel and to coordinate with the police chief before bringing a final regulation or bylaw forward.
The board did not vote to adopt any regulation on July 20 and scheduled the issue for further review with the requested legal and enforcement clarifications.
