Sep 23, 2026 · 10 min · 8 segments
We have long decided, I'd say societally, that dirt bikes, gas-powered dirt bikes, ATVs, and vehicles of that nature are not something that should be on the road in the same way that a motorcycle is, in the same way that a car is, when their power is similar to those types of vehicles.
But e-bikes, e-motos are a new kind of entry into that field.
They also outlined a clear standard separating commuter e-bikes from high-powered e-motos that officials said behave more like gas dirt bikes.
Under the approach discussed, a device is deemed an e-moto if it lacks functional pedals and can exceed 20 mph on motor power alone or carries more than 750 watts of continuous power.
The criteria aligns with common e-bike classifications and officials said will help police distinguish lawful riders from those operating off-road machines on sidewalks and paths.
The attorney's office noted helmets are required locally for riders under 18 on bicycles, but state law limits the city's ability to mandate helmets for adults.
While Juneau has seen limited serious injuries, staff pointed to a rise in public complaints about young riders on powerful e-motos.
adding that other Northwest communities have moved aggressively to curb conflicts in pedestrian areas.
They are much more powerful, they can go much faster, and they are much more appropriately compared to a gas-powered dirt bike than they are to an e-bike.
And we've been lucky, I would say, to not have seen significant injury, not no injury, but significant injury or more serious incidents of e-moto on pedestrian type of activity.
To create a behavior-based safety net across devices, the committee also asked the city attorney to expand careless and negligent operation provisions to explicitly cover bikes, e-bikes, e-motos, e-scooters, and e-skateboards backed by a graduated civil fine schedule.
Members discussed penalties up to $500 per offense and possible impoundment for repeat violations with explicit exemptions for mobility devices used by people with disabilities.
A separate Parks and Recreation ordinance addressing e-bikes is expected to be tabled in favor of a single borough-wide measure.
The new e-moto ordinance is slated for introduction on October 26th, with a public hearing targeted for mid-November.
We have long decided, I'd say societally, that dirt bikes, gas-powered dirt bikes, ATVs, and vehicles of that nature are not something that should be on the road in the same way that a motorcycle is, in the same way that a car is, when their power is similar to those types of vehicles.
But e-bikes, e-motos are a new kind of entry into that field.
They also outlined a clear standard separating commuter e-bikes from high-powered e-motos that officials said behave more like gas dirt bikes.
Under the approach discussed, a device is deemed an e-moto if it lacks functional pedals and can exceed 20 mph on motor power alone or carries more than 750 watts of continuous power.
The criteria aligns with common e-bike classifications and officials said will help police distinguish lawful riders from those operating off-road machines on sidewalks and paths.
The attorney's office noted helmets are required locally for riders under 18 on bicycles, but state law limits the city's ability to mandate helmets for adults.
While Juneau has seen limited serious injuries, staff pointed to a rise in public complaints about young riders on powerful e-motos.
adding that other Northwest communities have moved aggressively to curb conflicts in pedestrian areas.
They are much more powerful, they can go much faster, and they are much more appropriately compared to a gas-powered dirt bike than they are to an e-bike.
And we've been lucky, I would say, to not have seen significant injury, not no injury, but significant injury or more serious incidents of e-moto on pedestrian type of activity.
To create a behavior-based safety net across devices, the committee also asked the city attorney to expand careless and negligent operation provisions to explicitly cover bikes, e-bikes, e-motos, e-scooters, and e-skateboards backed by a graduated civil fine schedule.
Members discussed penalties up to $500 per offense and possible impoundment for repeat violations with explicit exemptions for mobility devices used by people with disabilities.
A separate Parks and Recreation ordinance addressing e-bikes is expected to be tabled in favor of a single borough-wide measure.
The new e-moto ordinance is slated for introduction on October 26th, with a public hearing targeted for mid-November.
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