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Council considers micromobility code revisions after pilot; debate centers on helmets, enforcement and miniature motorcycles
Summary
Staff presented draft micromobility code changes to replace repeated pilot extensions. Draft adds device definitions, parking requirements, parental accountability, a ban on miniature motorcycles, and a helmet proposal (staff initially proposed helmets until age 18 for some devices); council favored stronger education and enforcement discussion and expressed broad support for banning mini motorcycles but did not coalesce around a helmet mandate.
City staff and consultant Joe Batchelor presented proposed micromobility code revisions intended to transition the city from a pilot program (extended in 2025) to a standing code framework.
"The most important of which would be a helmet provision, requiring helmets until you're at least 18 years old," Joe Batchelor explained as part of the draft elements that also include technical device definitions, parking rules to prevent ADA impediments, parental accountability for minors, and a standalone ban on miniature motorcycles. Batchelor and staff emphasized that many fleet‑specific technical controls (geofencing, speed governance) would be implemented through contracts with permitted operators rather than embedded fully in code.
Staff reviewed a December 2025 survey (312 responses) that showed about 86% support for clearer safety rules, roughly 88% support for helmet requirements among respondents, and over 93% support for maintaining a miniature motorcycle ban. Jeanne Willis summarized the education strategy—social media, rec programs, flyers, QR codes—and said penalties and escalation will be included as the rules are finalized.
Council debate focused heavily on helmet mandates, enforcement practicality for rented scooters, whether speed limits should be set in code or by administrative order, and whether miniature motorcycles should be allowed in parks. Multiple council members said they did not favor a blanket helmet mandate to age 18 and highlighted enforcement challenges for rented devices. There was broad support for keeping miniature motorcycles banned from public pathways and parks. Council asked staff to refine the draft, clarify definitions (electric vs. gas), outline enforcement options, and return with a proposed ordinance for adoption.
