Committee examines parks ordinance to curb risky e-bike and scooter behavior

The Ordinance Committee reviewed proposed updates to Ordinance 2026-10, which would modernize rules and penalties for motorized devices in parks and recreation areas. A staff presenter said the existing ordinance used antiquated penalties — "2 to 10 days in jail and a $20 fine" — and lacked clear, current language to address e-bikes and scooters that travel at higher speeds through playgrounds and other open spaces.

Members described repeated safety incidents, including riders performing wheelies near playgrounds and on main roads, and suggested the police chief or the traffic officer attend the next meeting to advise on enforcement. The committee discussed options such as clearer prohibitions for high-powered devices in parks while avoiding restrictions that would unintentionally exclude mobility devices covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The solicitor urged balance: "we don't wanna limit, for an example, someone in an electric wheelchair or someone who has 1 of these motorized scooters because of limited mobility purposes" and said the committee should craft language that addresses dangerous behavior without violating disability protections.

Committee members agreed to refine the draft and requested follow-up with police leadership before final action. The item was discussed at length and a motion was made to defer substantive adoption pending additional legal and enforcement input.