Local
Barrington’s new e-bike restrictions raise questions about access and safer routes
Barrington’s Town Council voted 3-0 to extend existing motorized-bike restrictions to e-bikes and scooters on town property, including sidewalks, parks and parking lots. Riders say the change could limit a practical way to reach everyday destinations, especially for people who need mobility options or lack safe cycling routes.
Barrington’s Town Council voted 3-0 on Oct. 5 to expand the town’s restrictions on motorized bikes to include e-bikes and scooters in areas where the existing rules apply, such as parks, parking lots and sidewalks.
The change has prompted concerns about both safety and transportation access. Linda Khamsyvoravong, a Barrington resident who uses an e-bike to get to places including the library and grocery store, said the restriction could interfere with routine travel.
“Banning e-bikes on town property will really interfere with what a lot of people use for general transportation,” she said.
Talia Kantro, of Warren, said e-bikes can help older adults and people with disabilities get outside and travel. She also pointed to the shortage of cycling infrastructure as a challenge for riders. If the town wants to keep e-bikes off sidewalks, she said, it should consider improving bike lanes and other street infrastructure.
The East Bay Bike Path, which is owned by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, is separate from Barrington’s town-property restrictions. Riders also questioned how the expanded ordinance will be enforced.
The vote makes Barrington another Rhode Island community to restrict e-bikes. East Providence approved a ban earlier in the year. The debate in Barrington highlights the balance local officials face between addressing rider-safety concerns and preserving transportation options for residents who use small electric vehicles for everyday trips.