Following weeks of debate and public input, the Powell City Council has finalized a new set of rules for e-bikes and other electric-powered devices.

The nine ordinances approved Monday are meant to create some basic safety requirements for the devices, which are generally speedier than bikes and growing in popularity.

Mayor John Wetzel, who led the push for the new rules, has said the primary aim is to help keep youth safe and prevent accidents.

As one example, the ordinances clarify that anyone riding an e-device on a city street is expected to obey the same rules as drivers. They also specify e-bikes, electric scooters, toy vehicles, motorized scooters and electric personal assistive mobility devices like Onewheels can be ridden on city sidewalks, as long as the rider yields to pedestrians.

Downtown restrictions

Perhaps the most controversial restriction is a ban from the heart of downtown. From 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, the devices cannot be ridden on Bent Street — not on the street and not on the sidewalk — between First and Third streets. The city has long banned bicycles from downtown sidewalks, with the thinking that it would be too easy for a speeding rider to collide with someone stepping out of a business. The new ordinances expand that restriction to include the street, as concern was expressed that it can be hard for drivers to spot riders in that crowded stretch of downtown.

It’s a relatively limited restriction, as riders can still approach or cross Bent Street via First, Second and Third streets, and they can walk or carry their devices along those two blocks of Bent. Additionally, devices used to assist people with disabilities are still allowed.

But the council heard some objections from the public about limiting riders’ access to downtown.

At Monday night’s meeting, Powell resident Nick Ryan said the Onewheels that he and his family ride are too heavy to pick up and carry along the sidewalk on Bent Street.

“So our typical out-and-about where we say, ‘Hey, let’s stop and get some ice cream,’ if we’re out on these, we’re not going to just because of that walking [requirement],” Ryan said.

Councilwoman Kristy Fields ultimately voted no on the Bent Street restrictions, telling the Tribune she heard from a “significant number” of constituents who opposed the downtown ban.

“I believe it is overly restrictive and does not strike the right balance between safety and accessibility,” Fields said in an email. While she appreciates the intent, “I am concerned that a complete ban removes an important transportation option for many residents,” Fields said.

About those sidewalks

Meanwhile, Councilman Tim Sapp expressed concern that the city wasn’t being restrictive enough when it came to more powerful devices. He specifically mentioned class 3 e-bikes, which can go up to 28 mph.

“I don’t think we need them on the sidewalk,” Sapp said, asking later, “Do you want 28 miles an hour coming at you down the sidewalk with a kid driving?”

He also worried about even speedier class 4 and 5 e-bikes, but those are treated like vehicles under state law and cannot be ridden on sidewalks.

As for Ryan, he wanted to make sure that the city didn’t ban slower devices like Onewheels from sidewalks.

“... they’re sort of meant to be some on the sidewalk,” Ryan told the council, adding that he doesn’t want his children riding in the street.

However, Wetzel clarified that, outside of Bent Street, the ordinances actually allow the devices to be ridden on city sidewalks.

“We don’t want them on the four lanes; we want them on the sidewalks when they’re going out to Albertsons or [elsewhere],” Wetzel said later.

The Tribune’s reporting had created some confusion on the subject. Based in part on incorrect information provided by the city attorney, the Tribune’s initial story on the regulations wrongly stated that they barred the devices from sidewalks. However, that was a misreading of the draft and the wording was later made more clear.

Additional rules

Other portions of the ordinances say device riders need to report crashes to the property owner or police and render aid when necessary; they can also be cited for reckless or careless riding.

Those aboard a bike, e-bike or electric scooter need to keep one hand on the handlebars at all times, and minors must wear a helmet on a class 3 e-bike. Additionally, all devices must have a red rear reflector while each e-bike must have a white light on the front and red light on the back if they’re ridden from a half-hour before sunset to a half-hour after sunrise.

Riders are also barred from using sirens or whistles on their devices.

Wetzel has said the primary aim is safety and education, though violations can theoretically be punished by an up-to-$750 fine. Parents or guardians can be held responsible if they “knowingly permit” their child or ward to break the rules.

The ordinances passed their first reading in January, but the council slowed the process in February after multiple residents relayed that they didn’t want the city to be overly restrictive. Following some tweaking, the council approved the ordinances on their third and final reading on Monday.

City Administrator Zack Thorington said Powell is not the only community dealing with electric devices, reporting that Worland officials recently requested copies of Powell’s rules.

The city’s new ordinances take effect after being published in today’s (Thursday’s) Tribune and will appear in Chapter 10, Section 24 of the Powell City Code.