Plain City council directs research on e-bike and e-scooter rules, considers helmet and parental-liability measures

President T. Harriman opened a discussion on June 3 about e-bicycles and motorized scooters and asked staff to summarize current ordinance language and options for updates. Clerk Justin Dreier presented a memorandum outlining that existing Codified Ordinances primarily reference e-bicycles but do not comprehensively address e-scooters, helmet rules, speed limits or the treatment of e-bikes on shared-use paths.

Police Chief Dale McKee told council that Plain City has not recorded any local e-bike accidents to date but that other municipalities have seen collisions involving e-bicycles and motorized vehicles. Chief McKee recommended updating helmet regulations and noted that, in the Village, Class 3 e-bicycles are currently limited to users age 16 and older. Council members discussed approaches including prohibiting certain e-bicycle types on shared-use paths and sidewalks, adopting parental-liability language that holds guardians responsible for a minor’s violation, and expanding educational outreach on existing rules.

Council members cited examples of neighboring municipalities that have published guidance (City of Grove City, City of New Albany and City of Dublin). Council directed staff to continue researching potential code updates and to communicate findings back to council; staff also noted enforcement capacity will be monitored, particularly for Village special events where certain vehicles may be restricted from parks to improve pedestrian safety.

No ordinance was adopted at the June 3 meeting; the discussion concluded with council asking staff to report back with recommended ordinance language and possible enforcement options.