HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 09/02/2025 - WorkshopApproved Minutes
Eden Prairie City Council Workshop
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025
City Center Heritage Rooms, Council Chambers
8080 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
ATTENDEES
City Council Members: Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Kathy Nelson, Mark Freiberg, PG
Narayanan, and Lisa Toomey
City Staff: City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community
Development Director Julie Klima, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Markle, Police Chief Matt
Sackett, Fire Chief Scott Gerber, Administrative Services/HR Director Alecia Rose,
Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City Attorney Maggie Neuville, and Recorder Sara
Potter
MEETING AGENDA
Heritage Rooms
I. E-Bike Update
Case stated improper e-bike usage is only becoming more prevalent. Getschow explained the
Council requested an update on e-bike usage in the City. Improper e-bike usage is prevalent
throughout the metro area. Markle explained tonight’s discussion will focus on the City’s
experiences with e-bikes, how Eden Prairie and peers responded to the rapid increase, and
possible next steps. The main e-bike issues include high speeds, underage riders, and disregard
for other trail users.
Markle stated moto-bikes, are becoming an issue as they are not allowed on trails and don’t have
a defined space. Case asked for clarification if bikes without pedals are allowed on City trails.
Sackett confirmed a bike without pedals is considered a moto-bike and is not allowed on City
trails. It’s difficult to track the number of e-bike/moto-bike calls as there is not a designated call
type. The EPPD has received an estimated 27 calls year-to-date including underage riders acting
reckless in neighborhoods, parks, and throughout streets. Narayanan asked for more information
on the nature of calls into the EPPD. Sackett clarified many calls are about e-scooters and moto-
bikes in the road and e-bike riders disregarding other trail users.
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September 02, 2025
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Sackett stated e-bikes must follow the same rules as all bike riders, including riding on the side of
the road and using proper hand signals. Individuals are encouraged to call 911 if they witness
reckless e-bike use. The EPPD can implement focused patrols to intercept and correct improper
behavior. Case asked if moto-bikes are allowed on a road. Sackett stated technology advances are
far outpacing State statutes, but his interpretation is most moto-bikes would be classified as off-
highway motor vehicles (OHMV), similar to an ATV. Moto-bikes should not be operated on roads,
trails, or sidewalks. Case asked if all moto-bikes are classified as OHMVs. Sackett noted some
moto-bikes can be registered as a motorcycle and can be operated in the road if the rider is 16
and has a motorcycle license.
Markle noted the Parks department had 40 calls regarding reckless e-bike usage in 2024,
decreasing to 25 calls in 2025. 15 calls are true complaints, others are individuals requesting
information on rules and age requirements. There are many calls about e-bike riders at the skate
park, which is not allowed. The Parks department has invested in education and signage to
address this behavior. Toomey asked if moto-bikes will be allowed on the new mountain bike
trail. Markle stated the City has not yet decided, it is up for debate in the metro area.
Markle explained the Parks and Police departments have focused efforts on public education. A
bike safety page has been added to the City website in collaboration with the Communications
team. This page clarifies rules and guidelines for residents. Narayanan asked if the City has e-bike
safety info at PeopleFest and the Citywide Open House. Sackett confirmed Parks and the EPPD do
outreach at these events. An e-bike rules flyer has been created, including a QR code leading to
the e-bike safety website. This flyer is given to bike retailers and distributed at summer events. A
bike safety reminder article was included in the summer Life in the Prairie. Sackett stated he
recorded a bike safety video with Somali translation by Community Services Representative
Mohamed Duale. This video was distributed to the Somali community via WhatsApp.
Case asked if the State will implement a helmet mandate. Sackett confirmed the State has not yet
implemented a mandate, but there has been discussion on statewide legislation. Two cities,
Excelsior and Edina, have implemented helmet ordinances. These cities disallowed e-bike usage
in their downtown areas, and included a helmet mandate. Ordinances varying between cities is
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September 02, 2025
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confusing for residents as regional trails often cross City lines. Toomey asked if the City can enact
a helmet ordinance before the State. Case pointed out the similarities between this discussion
and the Statewide indoor smoking ban 20 years ago. It’s a judgement call between waiting for the
State or acting first.
Markle stated the City is creating signage for high-traffic areas including Staring and Round Lake.
These signs include key guidelines of responsible bike riders. The skate park has signage
confirming e-bikes and moto-bikes are not allowed. The Community Center is installing an e-
scooter rack as there has been an increase in people riding e-scooters inside the building. Case
asked if e-scooters are allowed at the skate park. Markle noted they are allowed, there have not
been issues so far. Sackett added classes of vehicles are coming out faster than State statutes can
clarify, but as of now an e-scooter is currently defined as having two wheels and traveling less
than 10 MPH.
Case noted if the City were to approve an ordinance, e-scooters should be addressed. Case asked
how other Cities treat e-scooters. Sackett confirmed e-scooters are not allowed in Excelsior’s
downtown district. Case stated e-scooter technology is advancing and speeds are increasing. If
the City addresses e-bikes and moto-bikes for safety, e-scooters should also be discussed. Case
asked if there is a speed limit in place for e-bikes. Sackett confirmed there is no speed limit, but
riders are required to obey the rules of the road including not riding recklessly.
Sackett stated the EPPD has executed directed patrols around problem areas and making
proactive stops. Case asked what happens on a directed stop. Sackett stated the EPPD will
educate the rider on what they’re doing incorrectly. If the rider is underage, the e-bike or moto-
bike is impounded for a parent or guardian to pick up. Case asked if tickets are issued. Sackett
confirmed the EPPD is focusing on public education and verbal enforcement. If the activity is
extremely egregious a ticket would be written. Unfortunately, state statutes are lagging
technology advancements and are unclear. Narayanan asked if the EPPD collaborates with the
school district on bike safety public education. Sackett stated most interaction with school aged
children happens during safety camp. Markle added the City could send bike safety information
via Peach Jar, which is used to distribute information to families.
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Sackett stated the EPPD requested information on bike safety call volumes from surrounding
Police departments. Areas such as Edina and Excelsior have banned all non-pedestrian traffic in
their downtown districts. Other cities have focused on education and outreach. Narayanan asked
if there have been accidents in neighboring cities. Sackett noted there was a fatal accident in St.
Paul earlier in the summer. Toomey asked why Cities don’t want to legislate locally before the
State. Sackett answered its confusing for riders traveling between cities when the rules differ.
Consistency is more easily understandable. Frebierg asked why e-bikes haven’t been legislated at
a State level. Sackett noted it may be due to the difficulties legislating a rapidly evolving
technology. Toomey asked if the League of Minnesota Cities could lobby for e-bike safety
regulations. Getschow confirmed that would be a possible.
Toomey noted it makes sense for rules to be enacted regionally. She noted her support for the
City proactively legislating e-bike safety in lieu of waiting for State regulations. Case stated his
agreement the State should clarify regulations statewide. In the meantime, the City could be a
leader in enacting safety regulations. While Eden Prairie does not have a downtown, it has an
excellent trail system. Markle explained Parks is taking a few actions to advance e-bike safety
including tracking calls and complaints, supporting a Statewide educational media campaign, and
increasing e-bike education and guidelines as a legislative priority. Freiberg noted insurance
companies might help resolve safety issues by mandating e-bike/moto-bike policies.
Case stated the Council would like to discuss this topic again in the future, with staff proposing
possible Council actions along with a recommendation. Information including how peer cities
have responded to e-bike safety issues would be helpful. The Council should ensure the safety of
Eden Prairie residents as e-bikes are only becoming more prevalent. The City does not want to
stifle the many benefits of E-bikes. Freiberg added it would be beneficial to enact regulations
before next summer.
Council Chambers
II. Open Podium
III. Adjournment