Happy Valley, West Linn presentations: ordinances, education and early enforcement on e‑bikes

Representatives from two cities told C4 members they have taken different tactics to curb unsafe e‑bike and e‑scooter riding among young riders. Kevin McGrane of Happy Valley described a May ordinance and said it has led to early enforcement actions: "So far since we passed the ordinance, a little over 2 months ago, there have been about 60 tickets, and we had our 1st arraignments yesterday," he said.

McGrane said the city recorded about 50 public complaints and police partners had more than 250 complaints year‑to‑date; the ordinance clarifies state definitions, sets a 100‑watt upper cap for certain personal electric vehicles, and enumerates reckless behaviors (wheelies, swerving) that constitute unsafe operation. He noted jurisdictional enforcement challenges near city boundaries and said the city is pairing enforcement with a localized training module funded by a Metro travel options grant.

West Linn Police Chief Otis Rollins said the city prioritized education before citations. "The whole process here, right, in my opinion, really starts with the education and not enforcement," Rollins said. He described a broad outreach program — social posts, 5x7 info cards handed to kids, school visits, posters at parks and fairs — and internal roll calls so officers would apply rules consistently. West Linn's ordinance (Ordinance 1772) adds enforcement mechanisms for under‑16 riders and creates local unsafe‑operation violations with a presumptive class D fine where state law is silent.

Members pressed on modified bikes capable of 50+ mph and on the state statute gap that makes under‑16 enforcement unclear. Both presenters urged regional coordination on definitions and outreach as cities consider aligning local rules.