The Boulder City Council meeting on September 4, 2025, featured a significant public comment regarding the regulation of electric bikes (e-bikes) in the city. A concerned resident shared a personal experience involving a collision with a 13-year-old e-bike rider, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of existing rules.

The resident expressed alarm over the current regulations that allow e-bikes on sidewalks, where riders can travel at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour. They highlighted the absence of a minimum age requirement for riding e-bikes, which raises concerns about the safety of young, inexperienced riders navigating busy areas. The speaker noted an increase in e-bike usage among teenagers, who often disregard traffic rules, such as stop signs and signals, posing risks to pedestrians and other cyclists.

The testimony underscored the potential dangers associated with high-speed e-bike riding, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and seniors. The resident urged the council to take action to strengthen and actively enforce regulations surrounding e-bikes to enhance public safety.

The meeting continued with further discussions on various agenda items, but this public comment served as a poignant reminder of the challenges posed by the growing popularity of e-bikes in Boulder. The council may consider these concerns as they review existing policies and explore potential changes to improve safety for all road users.