Council hears public comments on proposed e-bike ordinance; discussion points include sidewalk rules and state limits

Council held a public hearing on proposed ordinance 3-23, a police-powers ordinance that would clarify where e-bikes may be ridden in the city and how the city will communicate rules and signage.

Chrishawn, the staff presenter, summarized the ordinance and repeatedly noted limits imposed by state law. "There are 3 different classes of e bikes," Chrishawn said, explaining that classifications hinge on pedal-assist and maximum speeds and that "in a lot of ways, we can't treat e bikes significantly different than traditional bicycles." Council members asked for clearer definitions of class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes and for graphics to help the public understand permitted uses, particularly in the downtown corridor where sidewalk riding would be restricted.

During public comment, residents raised enforcement and safety questions — for example whether e-bikes should be treated as pedestrians when on sidewalks and who would be liable in a conflict between a turning vehicle and a 25-mph e-bike. Bruce Scott, who identified himself from Tahoe Drive, asked how officers would enforce whether a device is being used as a vehicle or a pedestrian and expressed concern about high-speed devices mixing with pedestrians.

Staff and council discussed options including signage, an education campaign and narrowly tailored speed limits. Staff recommended holding a required public hearing prior to adoption (per the state statute), and advised council that clarifying language and outreach could reduce compliance problems. After additional comments, council made a motion to table proposed ordinance 3-23 to allow time to revise definitions and communication materials.

No adoption vote occurred; staff said they will return with updated language, explanatory graphics and a proposed timeline for outreach.