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Council member Jordan clarifies scope of new e-bike rules after public questions
Summary
Council member Jordan and the chair reiterated that Ordinance 31-2026 targets stand‑up, throttle‑style personal electric devices without pedals and does not ban pedal-assist e-bikes, scooters, mobility devices or golf carts; the rules restrict operation on roads posted over 20 mph, sidewalks and county property without permission.
Council member Jordan addressed public concerns and what he called "misinformation by media and other people out there," clarifying the intent and limits of recently passed Ordinance 31-2026.
"So Ordinance 31-2026 that y'all passed ... was an attempt to regulate personal electronic devices. Basically an e-bike, but it's without pedals," Jordan said, describing the devices as more like a small dirt bike. He said the ordinance does not apply to pedal-assist e-bikes, seated scooters used downtown, mobility scooters or golf carts. "Those are allowed. What's not allowed ... cannot be used on roads with a speed limit over 20 miles per hour. Can't be on public sidewalks; county-owned property without permission..." Jordan said.
Members asked for operational clarifications. Jordan and other council members emphasized the prohibition on operation on roads with posted limits over 20 mph and on sidewalks, and restated behavioral rules: do not carry extra passengers beyond the designated seating, do not operate recklessly and do not hold a cell phone while driving. Council discussed enforcement jurisdiction on private roads and noted a pathway exists for county police to enforce traffic laws on private roads under certain conditions.
Council framed the ordinance as a public-safety measure aimed at devices sold widely to minors and observed riding in neighborhoods. The chair and members encouraged residents and homeowners associations to contact county staff or the traffic team with location-specific enforcement questions.
The council did not take a new vote on the ordinance at this meeting; members said the session was intended to clarify the rules for residents and the media and to explain enforcement paths.
