Helena city leaders are taking on the issue of where electric bicycles, or e-bikes, should be allowed in the city – and particularly whether to let them go on trails in open lands.

During an administrative meeting Wednesday, the Helena City Commission directed city staff to move forward with a public process over the next few months to get input and formulate recommendations on how the city should regulate e-bikes. They also clarified that, for now, e-bikes will continue to be prohibited in Helena’s designated “natural parks” – including areas in the South Hills and around Mount Helena.