Boone County Fiscal Court is inviting residents to share their experiences and insight related to e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized micromobility devices through an online survey ahead of their caucus meeting on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. at the Boone County Administration Building, located at 2950 Washington Street in Burlington.
The survey is available at publicinput.com/ebikes.
“This rise in popularity of these micro-mobility devices is remarkable, even in just the past year,” says Boone County Judge/Executive Gary W. Moore. “E-bikes, e-scooters and other devices can give riders another way to enjoy the outdoors and get to and from work, but it’s imperative that we balance those opportunities with the safety of riders, pedestrians and motorists and in accordance with local and state regulations.”
The caucus meeting later this month gives the Fiscal Court the opportunity to learn more about motorized micromobility device use, review findings from the County’s interdisciplinary team tasked to review micromobility-related issues, and hear from the public directly. Issues planned for discussion include, but are not limited to:
• Current state and local regulations, including where devices can be operated and how legislators can clarify statewide laws.
• If county ordinances should be updated to allow for more permitted use of micromobility devices.
• If motorized micromobility devices should be allowed on county-owned sidewalks, multi-use paths or streets.
• If permitted use should be restricted to specific devices (such how fast devices can go, if they are gas or electric powered, if they have pedals, etc.).
• What, if any, requirements should be in place to allow operation of devices.
• How to effectively educate the public, parents and riders on current or new regulations.
• How to effectively educate riders, motorists and pedestrians on safe operation of motorized micromobility devices.
The Court will also discuss if any updated language to the ordinance should address safe operation of all micromobility devices, including traditional bikes and scooters.
The online survey is open until September 30. Preliminary results will be shared with the Fiscal Court at the caucus meeting. In addition, the Court will be discussing new state legislation relating to utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
Please note no decision related to the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized micromobility devices will be made at the caucus meeting. Caucus meetings provide the Court opportunity to learn more about issues and hear from the public.
Boone County Fiscal Court