Electric Bike Scooter Ordinance

At a glance

Where it stands: On 2026-10-20 council took the ordinance from the table for final reading, then tabled it again by a 6-0 roll call so a study session can work out remaining details. Staff will schedule the session with corporation counsel.
What: Amends Chapter 18 of the traffic code to regulate electric bicycles/scooters in downtown corridors and on sidewalks, enforcement and penalties; introduced October 6, 2026 and laid on the table the same night; still on the table at the October 15 Committee of the Whole.

Ordinance No. 26-1874 was introduced by Enos and read by title by the Clerk as a first reading. It amends the Traffic and Motor Vehicles Chapter (Chapter 18): amends Section 18-507 (Responsibility of Parent, Guardian); adds Section 18-508 (Operation of Electric Bicycles and Scooters within downtown commercial corridors), Section 18-509 (Sidewalk Operation of electric bikes and scooters outside downtown commercial corridors), Section 18-510 (Enforcement of non-compliant vehicles, "E-Motos") and Section 18-511 (Penalties and Fines); and adds Section 18-127 (Electric Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters).
Resolution 10-483-26: laid on the table, motion by Sareini, supported by O'Reilly. Passed 6-0 (Abraham, Alsawafy, Enos, Hammoud, O'Reilly, Sareini yes; Paris absent).

Tabled on a motion by Hammoud, supported by Paris. Members said they agree on most of the ordinance but want to settle some nuances in a study session.
Resident public comment urged tougher rules, including helmets, school letters to parents and keeping young children off powerful e-scooters and e-bikes, citing near-misses on residential streets.
Carter said state law "assumes the field" on some e-bike rules so the city cannot override it, and that several bills with more regulation are moving in the legislature; the city is doing what it can within those limits.
A school district trustee said the district approved a policy that riders walk their bikes on school property, with signage and discipline for violations.

About 7 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting	Minutes
2026-10-20 - City Council	7

Taken from the table for final reading and tabled again 6-0 for a study session; public comment on child safety and state-law limits.

Listed on the agenda as on the table (agenda only; no minutes posted yet).

Introduced by Enos, first reading, and laid on the table on the motion of Sareini, supported by O'Reilly, 6-0 (Paris absent).