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Council to align e-bike rules with state law while restricting high-powered devices on trails
Summary
After a discussion of HB 381, councilmembers agreed to align most city code with the new state e-bike classifications and helmet/age rules, while retaining local authority to prohibit high‑powered motorcycle‑style electric vehicles on trails and in parks for safety reasons.
The council discussed recent state legislation (HB 381) that reclassifies electric bicycles, sets age and helmet requirements and distinguishes motorcycle-like electric vehicles. Staff recommended adopting state definitions for class 1–3 e-bikes for city streets and parks while using local code to keep high‑powered, motorcycle‑style electric devices off trails and park pathways.
Lieutenant Doyle told the council enforcement would typically begin with stopping riders and contacting parents for youth violations, and that citations are an allowed enforcement tool under the new law. Several councilmembers favored matching state code to reduce confusion while considering more restrictive local limits on the trails to protect pedestrians and slower users. Staff will draft ordinance language aligning with state definitions and return with proposed local restrictions for trail use.
