By admin 
Folsom City Council is once again set to review another e-bike and “e-conveyance” ordinance following revisions made to previous proposals, which include harsher fines for first-time offenders.
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The first reading of the new ordinance that aims to curb reckless riding is scheduled for Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting.
The proposal is a combination of two ordinances originally pitched to the council in September. The newest version was prepared by the Folsom Police Department and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.
Much of the language included in the potential ordinance is similar to what was introduced in September.
What will Folsom consider?
The ordinance targets “e-conveyances,” a broad category that included e-bikes, e-scooters, motorized bicycles, electric motorcycles — also called e-motos — and other electrically powered devices.
If adopted, riders would be prohibited from carrying passengers without a proper seat, swerving around traffic or do “stunt and trick riding” such as wheelies or “acrobatic” tricks. The devices would also be banned from playgrounds and sports courts or fields, which have been the sites of damage from the devices, according to city officials.
Landscaped or unpaved areas adjacent to bicycle paths would be off limits under this ordinance and the 15 mph speed limit on bike paths would be reinforced. Motorized bicycles, which are any two- or three-wheeled devices either powered by electrical energy or pedaling, would not be allowed on bicycle paths in the city.
One of the key differences between this new ordinance and the previous two is the fine is steeper for first- and second-time offenders, which was a request from City Council. Violations would carry fines of $100 for a first offense — $50 more than the first proposal; $250 for a second violation within a year — $150 more; and $500 for additional violations during the same period. Parents or guardians of minors could be held responsible for administrative penalties, but could not be held criminally responsible.
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Another change is that under this new ordinance e-bikes and other devices would not be banned from parks outright. They would still be allowed on paved paths and walkways under a reduced speed limit.
‘It’s a complex issue’
Folsom Police Sgt. Derek Koupal said the ordinance is meant to increase safety for all riders, pedestrians and drivers in parks and roadways. The department has received more than 580 calls related to e-bikes and other e-conveyances.
“It’s trying to focus more on addressing the reckless riding that we’re seeing in the community and that some of our community members have complained about,” Koupal said.
Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates Project Manager Rob Youngren said he agreed that “bad behavior” and “dangerous riding” should not be allowed in parks and on roads. However, he cautioned going too far and prohibiting people from legally riding on the devices.
“It’s a complex issue and passing regulation touches a lot of people’s lives,” Youngren said. “We want to curb the behavior of these kids on illegal e-motos, but at the same time, are we willing to sacrifice the mobility for the disabled, for elderly who need an e-bike to go out on their Sunday ride?”
Folsom is one of many jurisdictions, including the city of Sacramento, to consider e-bike regulations. Winters recently adopted rules allowing police under limited circumstances to impound electric devices operated unsafely by minors. Elk Grove and Galt also have tightened rules governing e-bikes and other electric alternative forms of transportation.
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