Committee votes to fund disability celebrations and enhance mobility device regulation in Austin.

After hours of testimony and staff briefing, the City Council gave staff direction to draft municipal code changes that would prohibit riding electric bicycles on public sidewalks and in city parks, and to return with enforcement and education plans.

The police department introduced a local ordinance to regulate mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters) to align with state rules and add stricter local requirements (including helmet mandates for those 18 and under); the measure will be formally considered at the April 23 meeting and would allow fines and impoundment.