Brook Park caucus advances ordinance to add e‑bikes to city code; sidewalk motor use prohibited

Council members presented a proposed amendment to Brook Park’s codified ordinances (Chapter 373) to incorporate electric bicycles. The ordinance would add an electric-bicycle definition tied to state law, change the wheel-size definition from 20 inches to 14 inches for enforcement clarity, and set rules for where and how electric motors can be used.

The draft adds a new prohibition: “No person shall operate an electric bicycle using the electric motor on a sidewalk,” language read aloud during the caucus. Sponsors emphasized that the change aligns local code with state definitions for class 1, 2 and 3 e‑bikes and that enforcement will be easier with clearer definitions.

The ordinance also proposes safety measures: it retains state-law helmet requirements for class‑3 bikes and adds that riders under 18 must wear a helmet on class‑1 and class‑2 electric bicycles. Sponsors cited research showing a large share of injured e‑bike riders do not wear helmets and argued that education will be important alongside enforcement. Chief Ed Powers told council the ordinance text is enforceable as written and should aid officers by clarifying what is and is not a bicycle under city code.

A resident, Richard Nye (6052 Green Drive), spoke in support and asked the council to include electric scooters in the same regulatory framework. The caucus voted to place the ordinance on the Sept. 16 council agenda for first reading and accepted cosponsors.

Next steps: The ordinance will appear for first reading at council on Sept. 16; council members said they intend to include public education alongside any regulatory rollout.