As electric mobility devices continue to surge in popularity amongst the youth in our communities, city officials stress the importance of adhering to safety regulations and understanding the legal landscape surrounding these modern transporters. In a statement advocating for public awareness, Public Safety Director/Chief Jason Posel emphasized, "While that may be convenient, it’s important to recognize there are laws and ordinances in place to protect the safety of everyone using our trails and streets."
Currently, Woodbury officials allow only class 1 and 2 electric-assisted bikes (e-bikes) on city trails, clearly delineating that other e-transportation devices are not permitted in those spaces. According to state law, riders must be at least 15 years old to legally operate e-bikes on public trails and sidewalks. As the landscape of urban mobility evolves, riding an e-scooter on the same paths can land the young people, who Public Safety Officers are engaging with their parents, in a troublesome spot.
Efforts to educate the public are already underway, as highlighted by the Woodbury Public Safety Department. Information has been dispersed via the city’s website, social media, and physically through increased signage in parks and along trails. To solidify the message, an educational video is in production, aiming to reach a wider audience to ensure the laws and etiquette are widely known.
The city is not just stopping at education. Public Safety Director/Chief Posel appealed especially to the parents, saying, "Help us keep our kids safe and our trails safe for everyone to share." Over the forthcoming months, city staff intend to collaborate with the Parks and Natural Resources Commission and City Council to scrutinize and possibly amend the city ordinances that pertain to e-transportation devices, striking a balance between ensuring safety and accommodating the mobility and transportation needs of its citizens.
