Item 59 - E-Moto Safety IFC

[Julie Montgomery]

On behalf of CM Ellis:

Colleagues,
I’ve brought the Item 59 resolution on tomorrow’s agenda to address the noticeable increase in the unsafe use of electric motorcycles, also known as e-motos, in Austin. In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed the growing impact of e-moto use on our streets, sidewalks, parks, and environmentally sensitive lands. A failure to adhere to basic traffic and safety regulations is endangering pedestrians, motorists, other users of our public spaces, and – most frequently of all – the e-moto riders themselves, who tend to be children.

Because e-motos are a relatively new mobility technology, there’s a lack of clarity in the community regarding the safe and allowable use of e-motos, including ridership requirements and where these vehicles are and are not allowed. Parents, consumers, and our public safety officers require clarity and consistency when it comes to our local and state laws governing these motor vehicles.

This is why my resolution directs the city manager to take a four-pronged approach to addressing e-moto safety:
1. An update of City code and administrative rules to regulate the use of e-motos;
2. Creation of a sustained public education and safety campaign regarding e-motos;
3. A review of APD officer training and general orders relating to the use of e-motos, with a goal of promoting consistent enforcement of safety regulations; and
4. A feasibility study to identify parkland (or other public space) suitable for possible designation as an off-road recreation area, appropriate for minors operating e-motos.

Here is the full Item 59: https://www.austintexas.gov/council/202 ... 28-reg#059

I want to emphasize the primary goal here is not to punish, but to educate and protect. Many riders of e-motos are underage minors, not capable or qualified to safely operate powerful motor vehicles that may not be street legal. It’s important we take this multi-pronged approach to help protect our young people and maintain public safety.

I appreciate the collaboration of Austin Police, TPW, PARD, and Austin Water staff on this issue, as well as my cosponsors CMs Alter, Duchen, and Laine. If anyone else would like to support this initiative, I offer this thread to welcome further cosponsors.

Thanks, and I look forward to discussing tomorrow,
Paige

[Jose Velasquez]

Councilwoman Ellis, thank you for bringing this item forward. As e-motos become more popular across our city and parks, education, awareness, and training are key in ensuring the safety of our community. I would like to added as a cosponsor.