Powell City Council adopts nine bicycle and electric-device ordinances after debate over e-bike classifications

The Powell City Council on third reading approved a package of ordinances revising the city's bicycle and electric-device rules, following discussion about whether the city's classifications properly distinguish different types of electric vehicles. The measures, numbered 1-20-26 through 9-20-26, were moved and seconded across the meeting and carried on voice votes.

The debate followed public comment from resident Nick Ryan, who urged the council not to lump small one-wheel devices with faster e-bikes. "These top out around 14, 15 miles an hour," Ryan said, adding that such devices "are about 25 pounds" and are hard for children to carry if restricted from sidewalks downtown. Council members and staff discussed whether the draft ordinances properly differentiate class 1'3 e-bikes from higher-power vehicles.

"I don't think we've distinguished classes on the e bikes properly to be able to allow some of the stuff we're talking about aligned with those," a council member said during third-reading debate, urging a review of power ratings and speed-based classifications before broader enforcement takes effect. Staff and other members noted that state statute definitions informed parts of the draft but recommended additional review where the local code addresses sidewalk use and equipment requirements.

The ordinances include a repeal and replacement of provisions in chapter 10.24 of the municipal code, new equipment rules for electric devices, and a separate section addressing violations and penalties. Council also approved an amendment to paragraph H of ordinance 8 that legal staff had revised to add crossing language.

All nine ordinances were recorded as approved on final or third readings in sequence during the meeting. Council members said they expect planning and legal staff to refine classifications and enforcement language where needed and to return with clarifications if state definitions require alignment.

Votes at the meeting were voice votes recorded as carrying for each ordinance; the transcript records at least one member verbally noting opposition on an item during the sequence but does not provide a roll-call tally.