Council moves Ordinance 2026-11 to second reading to clarify sidewalk rules for low‑speed mobility devices

Council placed Ordinance 2026‑11 on second reading on May 26 after staff explained the item clarifies conflicting language in the codified ordinances about where low‑speed mobility devices (for example, kick scooters and certain low‑speed ebikes) may operate.

Mr. Shrader introduced the ordinance as an amendment to section 331.37 (driving upon sidewalks, street lawns or curbs) of the city code. City Manager Mr. Hamilton told the council staff had reviewed prior ordinances and Ohio law and found conflicting provisions; he summarized the intended change: to align the city code with the Ohio Revised Code so that low‑speed mobility devices under the statutory speed threshold are permitted on sidewalks, while devices that exceed that threshold must operate on the street and obey speed limits. “We had to change the ordinance to pick one or the other... Ohio Revised Code said low‑speed mobility devices are allowed on the sidewalks,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton also described enforcement and education plans: the police SROs will conduct outreach in schools, department staff have proposed an education program and the draft legislation includes authority to confiscate devices in extreme cases to force parental involvement. Chief Graham and council members emphasized a preference for education over immediate criminal enforcement and acknowledged practical enforcement limits when officers lack manpower or cannot reliably measure speeds without equipment.

What happens next: The ordinance was placed on second reading; further debate and a subsequent vote will occur at a later meeting. Staff said they will continue education efforts with schools and refine enforcement language as the ordinance proceeds through readings.

Ending: Council did not finalize the ordinance at this meeting; it advanced to the next step in the legislative process.