Bryan council tables micro‑mobility ordinance as new Ohio law takes effect June 30

The Bryan City Council on Monday voted to table Ordinance 19 20 25, a second‑reading ordinance that would have created a city chapter to regulate low‑speed personal mobility devices, after members said state law changing scooter and e‑device rules takes effect June 30.

Councilmember Mary, speaking during the meeting, told colleagues that the Ohio Revised Code now contains specific restrictions and that the city “cannot restrict less than what the state does” but may adopt stricter local rules under its home‑rule authority. She said Police Chief Mark will appear at the next council meeting to help craft a revised ordinance and asked staff to prepare a draft that reflects the state changes.

The discussion centered on several state requirements Mary summarized from the recently amended statute, including a minimum age of 16 to operate some devices, tighter supervision requirements for younger users and mandatory helmet rules. Mary said she would forward the statutory citation to council; the transcript cites section 4511512 and multiple speakers referenced a June 30 effective date.

After members debated whether to proceed with the existing local ordinance or wait for a revised draft, a motion to table the second reading carried in a roll‑call vote. The ordinance will return to council only if someone moves to untable it or the administration presents a new draft.

Councilmembers said they were mindful of access concerns for residents who use e‑bikes for mobility and travel on streets where speed limits exceed 25 mph, and asked that any local rules consider those practical impacts. Chief Mark was asked to join the next meeting to provide enforcement and safety input.

The council did not adopt new local restrictions Monday; the existing proposed ordinance (Ordinance 19 20 25) remains tabled pending review and possible reintroduction.