Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2018 05 09

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SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 1736, SERIES 2017 DATE: MAY 2, 2017 PAGE 2 OF 3 speeds and motorization mechanisms. The e -bike industry devised a three -class system to categorize e -bikes, which include: Class 1 - or low -speed pedal -assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 2 - or low -speed throttle -assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Class 3 - or speed pedal -assisted electric bicycle, is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and is equipped with a speedometer. The State of Colorado recently revised regulations for e -bikes throughout the State, and adopted the three -class system noted above. This legislation allows local governments to regulate the use of e -bikes on bicycle and pedestrian paths, and requires that all e - bikes sold in the state have a permanently affixed label that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the e -bike. Industry advocates promote the use of e -bikes as a means to get more people on bikes, including older adults and people with physical limitations. Their use can encourage people to bike more often and to more distant locations. They also reduce the difficulty of riding in hilly areas, which are present along the US 36 Bikeway and throughout parts of the City. Staff conducted research to determine which communities in the US 36 corridor already permit e -bikes in some manner: Superior: Allows Class 1 and Class 2 on all streets, paths and trails. Boulder: Allows Class 1 and Class 2 on some multi -use paths in the City. The City publishes a map to identify which paths e -bikes are permitted (only certain paved paths, not soft -surface trails or in mountain areas). In addition to Louisville, other communities in the corridor are considering ordinance amendments: Westminster: Developing an ordinance to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e -bikes. They are still reviewing the appropriateness of Class 3 e -bikes. Broomfield: Considering allowing all three classes of e -bikes, but a final decision will not be made until after a public outreach effort this spring/summer and a CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION