Council asks staff to study e-bike and scooter rules after summer safety concerns

Plain City Council members on June 3 discussed growing safety concerns from electric bicycles and motorized scooters and asked staff to research possible local rules and communications to residents.

Council members said they have seen devices traveling at high speed on streets and paths near the elementary school and at community events, creating close calls for pedestrians. One council member said the city should “help [parents] communicate that that is considered a motorized vehicle and is subject to certain laws,” and urged clearer public messaging now while staff drafts regulatory options.

The chief of police told the council enforcement can be difficult in practice, noting that some incidents look like bicycle use and fall into ambiguous code categories. Councilors and staff cited examples from nearby municipalities that set helmet rules by age and hold guardians responsible for underage operators. Members suggested options including a helmet requirement for certain age groups, parental liability or fines, limits on the types of devices allowed on shared-use paths based on maximum speed, and event-specific restrictions (for example, during large park gatherings such as the Fourth of July).

Councilors said immediate steps could include a public reminder about existing laws and safe operation while staff researches model ordinances. The council asked staff to compile examples and return with formal recommendations and draft language for potential ordinance changes. The discussion was left open for further staff work and later council consideration.