WOODSTOCK, GA (July 20, 2026) —Woodstock City Council voted Monday to approve the final reading of a comprehensive ordinance updating regulations for e‑bikes and personal transportation devices within the city. The ordinance, originally introduced for first reading on June 22, 2026, aims to improve safety, clarify rules for riders, and align local standards with state law and surrounding jurisdictions. The development of the ordinance included extensive public engagement that began in late 2025. Residents shared concerns about youth riding high‑speed devices on city streets, inconsistent trail rules, and the need for clear guidelines as new mobility technologies become more common.
The newly adopted ordinance introduces modernized definitions that classify a wide range of personal transportation devices such as e‑bikes, e‑scooters, hoverboards, OneWheels, skateboards, and rollerblades while preserving existing protections for wheelchairs and other mobility‑assistance equipment. The ordinance also establishes clear rules for the use of motorized devices in parks and on trails: adults 18 and older may ride Class 1 e‑bikes and certain other motorized devices on paved trails and a maximum speed limit of 20 miles per hour now applies to all motorized equipment. Sidewalk regulations are also strengthened, prohibiting bicycles, e‑bikes, and motorized personal transportation devices from sidewalks, while allowing children under 13 to continue riding bicycles on sidewalks except in the downtown walk your wheels zones.
Mayor Michael Caldwell highlighted the importance of the ordinance and underscored the shared responsibility required from the community. “I’m grateful for the thoughtful work that has gone into this update. This is an evolving issue, and as we learn more, we may need to adjust parts of it. If we discover something isn’t working, we’ll come back and fix it just as we always do,” Caldwell said. “Our priority is keeping Woodstock safe as these devices become more common.”
The mayor urged parents to consider safety when choosing devices for their children. “I want to strongly encourage parents to stop buying high‑speed electric devices for young kids to ride in traffic. Allowing a 12‑year‑old to operate what is essentially an electric motorcycle on Main Street is extremely dangerous.” Caldwell also addressed expectations for youth riders: “To the kids, if you run from our police officers, we will find you, we will cite you, and we will speak with your parents. It is not the job of our officers to parent every child in the city. We need families to partner with us.”
Mayor Caldwell recognized the broader challenge facing cities nationwide. “This issue is evolving rapidly across the country, and communities everywhere are working to keep up. I’m grateful that we’re addressing it ahead of time so kids and adults can enjoy these devices safely, and so the rules are clear for everyone.”
With the Council’s approval, the ordinance is now officially adopted. The City will continue public education efforts and explore additional trail signage, striping, and long‑term multimodal improvements.
For more information on the ordinance or upcoming implementation efforts, visit woodstockga.gov/micromobility.
ABOUT CITY OF WOODSTOCK: Located 30 miles north of Atlanta, Woodstock is a thriving community in Cherokee County known for its vibrant downtown, strong community partnerships, and commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports safe, efficient growth. woodstockga.gov
