SUBJECT:
Title
An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Erie Adding a New Section 6-11-20 to the Erie Municipal Code to Regulate the Operation of Electric-Assisted Bicycles
Department
DEPARTMENT: Police
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Breena Meng, Town Attorney and Lee Mathis, Chief of Police
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 10 minutes
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Fiscal
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Improve public health, safety and welfare for community members by defining and regulating the operation of electric-assisted bicycles on Town trails, sidewalks and roadways.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the ordinance.
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
This ordinance would regulate operation of electric-assisted bicycles by:
• Allowing Class 1 and 2 electric-assisted bicycles to be operated anywhere bicycles are allowed, but may be restricted for use on certain sidewalks, trails, greenbelts, open space, etc.
• Setting a 15 MPH speed limit for Class 1 or 2 electric-assisted bicycles operating on any sidewalk, multi-use path, open space, park or trail that allows electric-assisted bicycles.
• Allowing Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles to be operated on roadways or bicycle lanes, but not on any sidewalk, multi-use path, open space, park or trail, regardless of their designation as allowing electric-assisted bicycles.
• Requiring an operator of a Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle to be at least 16 years of age, in addition to all other requirements of state law.
• Requiring operators of all classes of electric-assisted bicycles on roadways or in bicycle lanes to adhere to posted speed limits.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The use of electric-assisted bicycles has grown exponentially and poses risks to the public health, safety and welfare of community members. Currently, there are no regulations or ordinances addressing the operation of electric-assisted bicycles in the Town or on Town trails and sidewalks. This ordinance would establish the allowances and requirements listed above.
priorities
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Ordinance 037-2025