Council tables ordinance to restrict scooters, hoverboards and similar devices on downtown sidewalks

Town staff presented a proposed ordinance amendment to Town Code Chapter 47 (Traffic and Vehicles), Article 5, to add a new section (proposed 47-165) that would prohibit wheeled vehicles other than bicycles and skates on sidewalks in the central business (CP) zone. The staff read language covering scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, motorized one-wheels and similar devices and said the change was prompted by safety concerns and near-miss incidents on downtown sidewalks.

Council members questioned the scope and enforceability of the proposed language. One council member asked whether small children on scooters or strollers would be affected; staff and council agreed strollers were not intended to be prohibited but that the draft language could be clarified. Council members discussed whether the devices would still be allowed on roadways and noted that some devices share requirements with bicycles (signals, lights) when operated as vehicles.

Council member (Speaker 7) requested additional time to review model ordinances from other cities and to refine the draft language for enforceability and exemptions. The council agreed to table the item and return it next month with revised language; no vote on adoption occurred.

Next steps: staff and the council member leading the review will examine ordinances adopted by other municipalities, revise proposed language to clarify exemptions (strollers) and road vs. sidewalk use, and bring the item back to a future meeting for formal consideration.