Committee keeps micro-mobility safety ordinance under review

Speaker 2, a committee member on the Law and Earnest Committee, told members that the law director submitted an ordinance proposal to regulate low-speed micro-mobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, and that the proposal references sections a through e of the ORC and adds a helmet provision mirroring the city's electric bicycle ordinance. Speaker 2 said the draft reflects feedback from the police chief and the law director and emphasized the committee’s objective "to encourage safer practices without imposing overly strict enforcement measures." Speaker 2 moved to keep the item open so the committee could evaluate proposed revisions.

Why it matters: The proposal would create a local regulatory framework for scooters and low-speed electric bicycles, an issue that affects pedestrian and rider safety in Fostoria. The committee’s decision to keep the ordinance under review means the city will continue to refine legal language and enforcement options rather than immediately adopt new penalties.

What was said and what happens next: Speaker 2 characterized the draft as balancing safety and enforcement and asked for additional time to vet the ordinance against state statutory language. No final vote or ordinance adoption occurred; the committee left the item open for further consideration and potential redrafting based on staff and police feedback. The next procedural step is for staff and committee members to review the proposed ordinance language and return with recommended revisions.