Johns Creek council backs limiting e-bikes and scooters in city parks, with boardwalk carve-out and three-month check-in

Assistant City Manager Haggard told the Johns Creek City Council that staff had drafted an ordinance to bar the operation of e-bikes and electric scooters inside city parks while still allowing residents to ride to parks and park devices in designated racks at park entrances.

"Staff prepared an ordinance that would prohibit the operation of these devices within the city parks while allowing residents to ride to the parks and park them in designated locations at the entrances," Haggard said, presenting two options for the Town Center boardwalk: allow devices on the boardwalk during normal operation (with restrictions) or prohibit them there as in other parks.

The board discussed trade-offs between connectivity and safety. Council members noted the Town Center boardwalk was built as a trail parallel to Medlock Bridge Road and provides a direct regional connection; staff said the boardwalk is wider than many park paths (about 15 feet) and could be designated differently from other park interiors.

A council member suggested signage and public education to set expectations, including posted passing guidance and speed limits. "There should be some signage regardless of whether it's during an event or not, maybe 5 miles an hour or 10 miles an hour," one council member said, urging outreach to shape rider behavior.

Councilmember Stacy said she preferred treating the boardwalk like other parks because unsupervised children might not follow speed limits, but most members favored staff's option to allow controlled use and to revisit the policy. Mayor (Speaker 2) and others asked staff for a three-month check-in to evaluate whether the carve-out is working and whether adjustments are needed.

Members also raised enforcement questions. Erin said officers should have a tool to address reckless riders, and another council member suggested consulting Police Chief Mitchell about existing authorities and whether seizure of repeat-offender devices should be considered. Haggard and council members agreed staff would check with the police on specific enforcement options.

Council members expressed concern about protecting turf fields and other park assets from device damage and debated whether special restrictions are needed during large events, when crowds include many push scooters and bicycles.

After discussion, a council member moved to adjourn into executive session to discuss land, legal and/or personnel matters; the motion was seconded and the council voted to adjourn. Staff will return with ordinance language for formal adoption after the feedback and the planned check-in.

The council then went into executive session; no formal ordinance vote occurred during this meeting.