Commission tables e‑bike and micro‑mobility rules, calls for workshop with police

Commissioners on March 18 discussed a range of options for regulating electric bicycles, scooters and motorized bikes in city parks and voted unanimously to table the item and hold a focused workshop.

Commissioner Shaw outlined standard classifications used by municipalities: class 1 (pedal‑assist up to about 20 mph), class 2 (pedal‑assist plus a throttle up to 20 mph), class 3 (pedal‑assist up to roughly 28 mph), and a less‑regulated class 4 category that includes high‑speed, dirt‑bike‑style vehicles. "You could say class 1 is okay in these specific areas, and the other ones need to be in the roads," Shaw explained.

Multiple commissioners and members of the public described safety incidents and concerns about high‑speed devices on walking paths. Harvey Pryor recommended restricting to class 3 and below and urged the commission to include a motor officer from the police department in the workshop so enforcement needs and legal constraints can be addressed. "If anything, you should put a sign up that says nothing over 15 just like it is on the roads," Pryor said.

Commissioners discussed potential approaches — speed limits on trails, class restrictions, separation of bike lanes from pedestrian sidewalks, or an ordinance to provide enforcement authority — and agreed that City Council will likely want specific recommendations, including maps of included/excluded paths. Commissioner (S8) moved to table the item to a future meeting and schedule a workshop; Commissioner (S11) seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

The commission asked staff to return with more detailed path maps, enforcement input and draft regulatory options for the workshop.