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Parks staff clarifies e-bike rules: class 1 and 2 allowed on multi-use paths; mountain-bike trail use limited
Summary
Parks staff explained local rules for electric bicycles: class 1 and class 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use trails, class 3 e-bikes are not allowed; the mountain-bike trail currently disallows e-bikes but staff said a class-1 accommodation will be formalized for that trail.
A board member raised neighborhood concerns about electric-bikes on paved and unpaved trails. Parks staff summarized the city's current rules and how they apply to multi-use and mountain-bike trails.
"On a multi use trail, only class 1 and class 2 ebikes are allowable. On the mountain bike trail, it's disallowed. However, through communication, a class 1 has been identified as a reasonable accommodation for the mountain bike trail. So we will formalize that role within the usage of the mountain bike trail," Nicole said.
Staff clarified that class 1 e-bikes require pedal-assist only, class 2 has a throttle but limited speed, and class 3 bikes (higher-speed e-bikes) are not allowed on multi-use trails. Staff also said mopeds are explicitly not allowed on multi-use or mountain-bike trails.
Why it matters: the clarification addresses resident safety and enforcement concerns and signals staff intent to set a formal rule for limited class-1 use on the mountain-bike trail. Staff said they will coordinate with Gahanna Police Department if patterns of misuse appear and enforcement is needed.
The board did not change local code at this meeting; staff reported the existing ordinance framework and said they will formalize mountain-trail accommodations in a follow-up.
