Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Linn council adopts ordinance to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters
Summary
The West Linn City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1772 on June 9, 2026, tightening local rules for electric bikes and scooters, clarifying definitions and enforcement tools for juvenile riders, and emphasizing an education-first approach before heavier enforcement begins.
West Linn’s City Council adopted Ordinance 1772 on June 9, 2026, establishing local regulations for electric bicycles and electric scooters and giving police clearer enforcement tools to address unsafe riding. The ordinance defines e-bike classes, mirrors relevant Oregon statutes and sets an age restriction that prohibits operation by anyone under 16 within the city until Jan. 1, 2027. The ordinance was approved unanimously on second reading and will take effect 30 days after the mayor signs it.
Chief Rollins, who led the police presentation, said the ordinance is designed to close enforcement gaps and focuses on education before broad enforcement. “I actually handed out, like, 7 of these today,” he said, referring to informational cards officers are distributing to juvenile riders and parents to explain age limits, helmet use and prohibited sidewalk riding. The ordinance clarifies protective headgear requirements, operating rules and the consequences for unsafe operation; many provisions mirror Oregon Revised Statutes so penalties remain consistent with state law.
Council members praised the police department’s outreach materials and asked staff to continue the education campaign alongside any enforcement. The council discussed staged enforcement: an education push through the summer followed by stronger enforcement if compliance does not improve. The measure passed on a unanimous roll call vote; the council set a second-reading adoption and formalized the ordinance at the same meeting.
