Committee members and staff discussed electric bicycles and other micromobility vehicles, enforcement options and a pending state-level examination of regulation.

Mike Burns, the town's transportation manager, said a state micro-mobility commission has been meeting and will make recommendations to the legislature on registration, licensing and age limits. "They're gonna make a recommendation to the legislature on what legislative actions need to happen," Burns said. He described a likely speed-based approach: assisted devices that are capable of speeds of 20 miles per hour or less would face fewer requirements than higher-speed devices.

The committee discussed enforcement tools the town could use while the state considers rules. Members described possible checkpoints at strategic locations where officers or community-service officers could identify higher-speed devices and educate riders. Burns said police are developing an enforcement strategy including signage and targeted staffing at locations such as the rotary and bike-path entry points.

Committee members raised safety concerns about fast, quiet e-bikes on sidewalks and between stopped traffic lanes; members said speed and close passes can create danger for pedestrians and motorists. Staff noted that whether registration or licensing would be required locally depends on how the legislature frames any statewide rules and whether the devices are categorized similar to mopeds or motorcycles.

There was no formal action by the committee on local rules; members asked staff and police to continue developing enforcement approaches and educational outreach while awaiting state guidance.