Fenton board asks staff to draft traffic-code definitions for e-bikes and motorized play vehicles

The committee directed staff to draft amendments to the traffic code to clarify how e-bikes, motorized bicycles and motorized play vehicles are defined and enforced.

Nikki told the board that state statute provides classes for e-bikes but leaves a gap that allows scooters and pocket bikes to escape current code language. "What we're proposing is that we would actually create a definition that would close that gap," Nikki said. Staff recommended three near-term items: create a local catchall definition for motorized play vehicles, consider allowing officers to issue citations to parents of repeat juvenile offenders, and evaluate whether certain motorized devices should be banned from sidewalks for liability reasons. Aldermen generally supported drafting enforceable, black-and-white language and asked staff to return with proposed code text. The board approved the motion to have staff bring a draft back for further review.