The city’s Streets, Sidewalks and Parking Committee agreed to ask the law director to review municipal ordinances and state definitions that govern electric bicycles and motorized scooters, after staff and police reported several incidents and rising concern about vehicle speed and rider age and helmet use.

Why it matters: committee members said faster, more powerful e‑bikes and scooters operating on sidewalks and shared paths raise safety concerns for pedestrians, strollers and young cyclists. The committee asked legal staff to start by clarifying definitions and any conflicts with Ohio Revised Code provisions and to consider options for council review.

What was said: police and staff reported six incidents involving motorized personal devices from April 1, 2024, through the present; staff said the incidents recorded were not severe injuries but warranted review. Committee members and police described concerns about devices that can exceed 20 mph on sidewalks, riders' age and helmet compliance, and enforcement practicality. Staff referenced state and trail agency guidance that generally allows class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes on shared‑use paths when top speeds remain at or below 20 mph, and that class 3 e‑bikes (which can exceed 20 mph) are often excluded from those facilities.

Action and next steps: the committee asked the law director to review relevant city ordinances and state code definitions, to consult with police and other staff, and to return with draft ordinance language or recommendations for council consideration. No formal ordinance change was adopted at the meeting.

Taper: committee members said enforcement practicality will be an important factor in any recommended change; staff and police will supply incident data and legal analysis to inform draft language.