Committee asks law director to draft e-bike, e-scooter ordinance; enforcement and signage cited as gaps

The North Royalton Safety Committee on Jan. 20 discussed complaints about fast e-bikes and e-scooters and asked the Law Department to draft ordinance language to help police enforce rules.

Chair Michael Wos, Council members and Police Chief Keith Tarase said enforcement is difficult because the devices are not consistently defined in city law. Law Director Tom Kelly said legislation can be drafted but asked the council for guidance on age or speed limits and other restrictions. Kelly noted that neighboring cities have taken different approaches and that some enforcement questions hinge on state law.

Committee member Mary Gorjanc cited the Ohio Revised Code and said e-bike and e-scooter users are not supposed to use the motor while riding on sidewalks, adding "Riders are supposed to just be pedaling on the sidewalk." Members discussed using the state classification of class 1–3 e-bikes as a starting point, pursuing helmet requirements for minors, and offering school-based education programs similar to neighboring Strongsville. Chief Tarase said impounding e-bikes is difficult because vehicles and storage present logistical challenges and that updating ordinances is a necessary step before effective enforcement.

Tom Kelly indicated the Law Department will draft proposed language if council provides the desired restrictions. Chair Wos asked Chief Tarase to provide enforcement suggestions to the Law Department and recommended updating park signage after ordinances are drafted. No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the Safety Committee meeting.