2018-12-05 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Stantec To: Mark Statz From: Joe Polacek City Administrator/Engineer Urban Planner File: Scooters and E-Bikes Date: August 24, 2018 Reference: Existing Regulations on Electric Scooters and Bikes The recent influx in availability of low-powered electric vehicles including electric-assisted bicycles and motorized scooters have shaped new questions regarding the legal use of the public right-of-way. Centerville City Code (Chapter 70, Section 70.01)adopts Minnesota Statute Chapter 169 regarding traffic regulations. "The regulatory provisions of M.S. Chapters 168, 169, 170 and 171 [..]are adopted as a traffic ordinance regulating the use of highways, streets and alleys within the city[..]" • E-bikes in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169 (Traffic Regulations) are defined as electric-assisted bikes that can be propelled at a speed no greater than 20mph (M.S. 169.011 Subd. 27). 169.22 Subd. 4. "(g)A person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle on the shoulder of a roadway, on a bikeway, or on a bicycle trail if not otherwise prohibited[on state trails or by local " x government] , as applicable." rq, Electric-assisted bicycles appear under the definition "Bicycle" (169.011 Subd. 4). It appears that they should be treated as bicycles unless local rules specifically prohibit motorized vehicles. • Scooters in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169 (Traffic Regulations)are defined as motorized scooters, with or without a seat, that reach speeds no more than 15mph on flat surface and have wheels under 12in in diameter. (M.S. 169.011 Subd. 46) 169.225 Subd. 1. "Application of traffic laws. Every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall have all rights and duties applicable to the operator of a bicycle, [except with provisions specific to scooters and where bike laws by nature cannot be applied to scooters]..." It appears that scooters should be treated as bicycles unless local rules specifically prohibit. • Parking of bicycles (and therefore scooters and ebikes)are allowed on streets and sidewalks so long as they don't obstruct other traffic. 169.222 Subd. 9. "Bicycle parking. (a)A person may park a bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by local authorities. A bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic." (b)A bicycle may be parked on a roadway at any location where parking is allowed if it is parked in such a manner that it does not obstruct the movement of a legally parked motor vehicle. ms c.Ausers\mstatz\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\temporary internet files\content.outlook\gm7b7lg7\memo_ebikes+scooters w rec.docx