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Everett council adopts micromobility ordinance after adding exception for streets without sidewalks
Summary
The Everett City Council adopted council bill 2606-34 to regulate motorized foot scooters and electric-assisted bicycles, approving an amendment to exempt non-motorized devices and permit motorized devices on streets above 30 mph where no safe alternative exists; the final vote was unanimous.
The Everett City Council on July 22 adopted a new ordinance (council bill 2606-34) creating a chapter regulating electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters, including updated rules for parks and shared paths. Council member Bader Samuels moved the ordinance; after an amendment clarifying that non-motorized devices would not be penalized and that operators may use streets above 30 miles per hour when no sidewalk or bike lane exists, the council approved the ordinance on a unanimous vote.
Council member Verbano proposed two amendments to prevent unintended prohibition of non-motorized scooters for children and to add a narrowly tailored exception where sidewalks or bike lanes are not available. Hill Kamen of the city’s legal team said the first amendment was “a great catch” to avoid regulating non-motorized scooters and confirmed the language could be adjusted to preserve enforcement discretion while protecting users. The amendment passed (6–1 on the amendment roll call), and the final ordinance passed 7–0 on the subsequent vote.
Supporters said the ordinance balances safety and mobility. Legal counsel and traffic staff explained the measure preserves officer discretion while creating clearer rules for enforcement and public education. City traffic engineer Corey Hertz noted the city is working through bicycle-master-plan projects to add bike lanes on corridors such as 100th Street SW; staff said those projects require outside funding and will proceed as funding allows.
The ordinance will be codified as the new chapter on electric-assisted bicycles and amendments to park code; council members said public education and outreach will follow passage, with emphasis on helmet use and safe operation.
