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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes December 10, 2025 --------- Page 4 of 6 6.3 E-bike and Electric Powered Device Ordinance City of Elk River Police Chief Kuhnly was in attendance to answer questions. He shared that he reviewed the proposed ordinance draft and sent it to the City Attorney for additional review for consistency. He said it would be important to discuss the city sidewalks etc. as well as the trails in relation to an ordinance, possibly even downtown. He said the 20-mph speed limit seems to be an accepted speed limit but not a requirement. He questioned whether their trail systems can handle that speed limit when it comes to their designs and curves etc. He said that he understands the direction that the group is going in as far as their concerns about safety on the trails. Chair Anderson asked if anyone had any questions. Chair Anderson said that the Commission had purposely shied away from discussing sidewalks because it wasn’t under parks. The Chief said that while the ordinance drafted so far is within the commission’s scope, the City Council will probably add more to it to make it a broader holistic approach. He asked the Commissioners what their intent was on enforcement from a public safety standpoint. Chair Anderson said he spends a lot of time in Woodland Trails Regional Park, and he says he has seen a significant shift in all things electric. He said e-bikes have changed everything and there is a definite concern for safety. He is shocked at their speed. Chair Anderson said there is an educational component needed for all, to understand what is allowed and what isn’t. He said that, for example, if e- motos aren’t allowed, then it is up to the parents to tell their kids where they can ride them. When they buy them, they need to check where they can ride them. The Chief shared that he thinks most of the people driving these devices are adolescents, or 10 and 12 years old. He doesn’t think the kids know how to navigate the roadway, but they know how to navigate the sidewalks because that’s what they were taught when they were toddlers. He is concerned that when children are forced to use roadways, they don’t know how to navigate them, and it becomes dangerous. Chief Kuhnly understands that when they are driving 20 mph on a path that also puts pedestrians and dogs at risk. Chair Anderson said this whole discussion started out of safety. Commissioner Stewart said that they have discussed an educational component which includes a possible bike rodeo event with the community. Chief Kuhnly agreed this was a good idea and said that he also believes they should do an educational campaign, including regular bicycles as well. He thinks it could include social media messages as well as in-person events with his staff. Chair Anderson asked the commissioners about their thoughts on the proposed ordinance before them tonight, which was prepared by Mr. Shelby with the assistance of the subcommittee of Commissioners Stewart, Niziolek and Chair Anderson. Chair Anderson said under 76.01C in the provided ordinance draft (he read it) that he thinks, for the purpose of not understating the obvious, they could include: This shall include, but not be limited to, vehicles that resemble electric-assisted bicycles, for example an e-moto but exceed the 750-watt motor power limit or the 28 miles per hour maximum assisted speed limit. Commissioner Goodwin asked if the intent was to add sidewalks to it so that it is more of the whole picture. Mr. Shelby said that the Chief just wanted to let them know that it would be the City Council's intent to add something that is tied to sidewalks and maybe particular area usage as it relates to these devices. It wouldn’t change what is here, but it would be more of an additional piece, so there aren’t