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Electric Bicycle Regulation

At a glance

  • What: An ordinance regulating electric and motorized bicycles on city parks and trails.
  • Where it stands: On August 31, 2026 the committee amended and forwarded the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee ordinance to the full Assembly; a second, broader ordinance stays in committee.
  • Next: Full Assembly introduction; further committee work on the second ordinance (including the driver's license question).

Discussion

Mr. Steininger noted the advisory committee's $25 fine versus an existing $150 fine; Mr. Wheeler said the committee saw the fine as educational but public feedback supports raising it. Ms. Hall asked whether Class 2 and 3 riders need a license; Mr. Barr said state law is ambiguous because of a vetoed bill and may be revisited next session. Enforcement is hard because classes are not visible; Mr. Wheeler called electric motorcycles the biggest problem and said police treat them as gas powered. Class 1 is pedal assist to 20 mph, Class 2 has a throttle to 20 mph, Class 3 is pedal assist to 28 mph; Mr. Wheeler said 28 mph is too fast for city trails. A youth helmet requirement dates to 2003.

Motions: Mr. Steininger moved to treat adaptive bicycles as Class 1 (unanimous). He moved to raise the fine; the committee settled on $150. He moved to include Eaglecrest and Nordic trails as Class 1 only (passed). He moved to allow Class 1 and 3 on trails; Ms. Hughes-Skandijs and Mr. Kelly objected on safety and he withdrew it. He moved to forward the amended ordinance to the Assembly (passed). Mr. Kelly preferred introducing the second ordinance immediately. Ms. Hall wants no driver's license required for e-bikes.

Sources

Log

2026-08-31 - Lands, Housing & Economic Development Committee

Parks ordinance amended and forwarded; second ordinance held in committee.