The city code currently prohibits the use of motor-driven devices on trails. But it allows electric bikes, scooters, and similar vehicles in bikes lanes if they are powered by a motor with a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour. Would you support a code amendment to allow some electric vehicles on trails?

Natasha Harper-Madison

City Council, District 1

Because we need more trails in Austin, we currently ask our present trails to do double-duty as recreational trails and transportation routes. Until we have enough bike lanes and multi-modal trails to separate those uses, we need to be careful about maintaining our existing trails as safe and welcoming places. So I do not support allowing often-faster electric vehicles (beyond those needed by people with mobility issues) on trails. As we build out our trail network, I am open to changing policies with changing infrastructure, but not until then.