The borough assembly has advanced a proposed ordinance to regulate and set a minimum age to ride an e-bike or e-scooter in town, scheduling a public hearing for Tuesday, May 27, on the possible new rules.
A separate ordinance would set fines for violations of any of the rules, such as a $150 fine for violating a traffic law.
“I was definitely shocked when I saw these,” Assembly Member Phillip Mach said of the list of fines. “I think these are pretty steep,” he added, suggesting that perhaps a better idea would be no fine for the first offense.
The ordinance setting fines also lists $75 for failure to wear a helmet and $75 for speeding, with several other infractions on the list.
A third ordinance would regulate businesses that operate self-serve, freestanding rental stations — they would need to obtain a borough license and maintain proof of liability insurance. The requirements would apply to businesses that allow renters to pick up and drop off e-bikes and scooters at random locations around town. They would not apply to rentals from storefront businesses.
“Improperly parked devices must be removed by the permittee within two to ten hours, depending on the time and day,” the ordinance states of bikes and scooters left around town. The borough “may impound devices not removed in time” and charge fees.
The assembly approved all three measures in first reading on May 13, though a couple of members questioned the provision that would set the minimum age to operate what the ordinance calls a “micromobility device” at 14 years old.
The ordinance, if approved without amendment on May 27, also would require that operators have a driver’s license or a learner’s permit. The permits are available in Alaska to anyone at least 14 years old.
Riders would be banned from schools, parks, playgrounds, trails, sidewalks, docks, the golf course, cemeteries and other public spaces, and helmets would be required for riders under 18.
The speed limit for e-bikes and scooters would be 10 mph downtown (City Dock to the Inner Harbor), and 15 mph elsewhere in town.
“I think we may be overstepping on a few things,” Mach said during discussion at the May 13 meeting, particularly noting the requirement for a driver’s license and the 10 mph speed limit.
“I also think this could be very hard to enforce.”
He said it may be more appropriate to direct the rules and enforcement more toward parental or owner responsibility rather than fining young riders.
The fines ordinance already states: “Parents or guardians can be held liable for allowing minors to violate this chapter,” and could face their own fines.
Mayor Patty Gilbert defended the trio of proposals, saying it addresses safety concerns.
“This is a pretty aggressive ordinance,” Borough Manager Mason Villarma said when he introduced the age and regulations measure to the assembly. He noted that the use of e-bikes and scooters increases with the summer tourism season.
“I would rather over-mitigate than under-mitigate,” Villarma said, noting that he and staff had drafted the ordinance at the direction of the assembly.
Police Chief Gene Meek, who worked with the borough attorney on many of the provisions, said the ordinance errs on the side of safety.
Assembly Member Michael Ottesen questioned why a driver’s license or learner’s permit would be required to ride an e-bike or scooter in town but not a regular bicycle.
“I don’t like overreach,” Assembly Member David Powell said in discussing the multiple provisions.
Assembly Member Bob Dalrymple tried to amend the ordinance to remove the requirement for a driver’s license, gaining support for the change from Assembly Members Brittani Robbins and Ottesen. But Mach, Powell, Gilbert and Assembly Member Jim DeBord voted against the amendment.
Dalrymple and Ottesen voted against advancing the ordinance with the operator rules to a public hearing on May 27, but lost 2-5.
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