Council updates rules to address growing use of e-bikes and motorized devices
Woodstock City Council on Monday approved an updated ordinance that changes how the city regulates e-bikes and a range of personal transportation devices, including e-scooters, hoverboards, OneWheels, skateboards and rollerblades. The new rules, first introduced on June 22, 2026, follow public engagement that began in late 2025 and aim to improve safety, clarify where devices may be used and align local standards with neighbouring jurisdictions.
The ordinance modernizes definitions to cover a broader set of motorized and non-motorized devices, while explicitly preserving existing protections for wheelchairs and other mobility-assistance equipment.
Key changes and where they apply
- Sidewalk ban: Bicycles, e-bikes and motorized personal transportation devices are prohibited from sidewalks. Children under 13 may still ride bicycles on sidewalks, except in designated downtown "walk your wheels" zones.
- Trail use: Adults aged 18 and older may ride Class 1 e-bikes and some other motorized devices on paved trails, subject to a maximum speed of 20 mph. The speed limit applies to all motorized equipment on those trails.
- Definitions and scope: The ordinance provides clearer classifications for a wide range of personal transportation devices to guide enforcement and public behaviour.
"I'm grateful for the thoughtful work that has gone into this update. This is an evolving issue and as we learn more, we may need to adjust parts of it. If we discover something isn't working, we'll come back and fix it just as we always do," Mayor Michael Caldwell said in a statement.
Local context and next steps
City staff said the changes respond to concerns raised by residents about youths riding high-speed devices on streets, inconsistent trail rules and a need for clearer guidance as new mobility technologies have become more common. The public engagement period, which began in late 2025, informed the definitions and the specific restrictions adopted this month.
Enforcement details were not outlined in full in the council statement. The ordinance sets the framework for where devices are permitted and establishes a uniform speed limit for motorized use on paved trails. Officials also emphasised that the update retains protections for mobility-assistance devices, ensuring those who rely on wheelchairs and similar equipment are unaffected by the prohibitions aimed at recreational and transport devices.
What residents should know
Residents who use or purchase personal transportation devices should review the new classifications and where devices may be used under the ordinance. Parents, in particular, were urged by city officials to consider safety when selecting devices for children.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk use | Bicycles, e-bikes and motorized devices prohibited; children under 13 exempt except downtown zones |
| Trail speed limit | 20 mph for all motorized equipment on paved trails; adults 18+ may ride Class 1 e-bikes |
| Protections | Existing protections for wheelchairs and mobility-assistance equipment preserved |
Council indicated the rules will be reviewed as the community adapts and as new information about these devices and their impacts becomes available. For now, residents should expect stricter limits on sidewalk riding and a consistent approach to trail use in Woodstock.
