The growing use of electric bicycles and similar motorized devices has prompted Richmond officials to establish new safety regulations governing where and how they can be operated.

City council members recently approved amendments to the city’s municipal traffic code, establishing operating restrictions, helmet requirements and enforcement provisions for electric bicycles and motorized play vehicles.

The city attorney first presented the proposed regulations at a joint meeting of the Public Safety and Ordinance committees on Aug. 25. Following committee discussions and council comments, the helmet provisions were revised to apply to riders 16 and younger while maintaining parental responsibility.

The committees revisited the proposal Sept. 29, focusing on roadway speed restrictions and making additional revisions before presenting the ordinance for approval.

Under the new regulations, electric bicycles are divided into three classifications based on how their motors operate and the speeds …