Hilliard staff propose helmet mandate, parental-responsibility language and impound authority for e-bikes and scooters

HILLIARD — City Manager Rausch told the Hilliard City Council Committee of the Whole on July 13 that staff plans to bring a draft ordinance to the council that would require helmets for anyone under 18 operating an e-bike or similar micromobility device, clarify parental responsibility and give police the authority to impound devices operated recklessly.

Rausch said the changes are intended to provide clearer expectations for residents and give officers a legal basis to intervene. "One of the provisions of this ordinance would require helmets for any rider who's under 18 regardless of any vehicle that they're on," he said, adding that the draft would also "prohibit a parent from recklessly enabling their child to go out, and operate one of these vehicles in a way that endangers somebody." He said impoundment would be an option when a rider continues to misbehave after warnings.

Why it matters: Council members described a recent uptick in personal electric devices in parks and on sidewalks and raised safety concerns for young children and older pedestrians. Staff said Hilliard Station Park signage has already been updated and that the proposed ordinance is an early, targeted step toward broader code updates and public education.

The draft and enforcement approach: Staff framed the ordinance as a tool that lets officers start conversations and take graduated steps, not as an immediate ticketing regime. The police chief said officers typically begin with written warnings and maintain records; juvenile diversion programs or safety education could be used before escalating enforcement. "We do a written warning and we record that information," the chief said, noting the city also uses diversion for juveniles.

Legal standard and amendments: The city attorney told council the parental-liability provision uses a recklessness standard rather than strict liability, meaning officers would need to point to attendant circumstances if citing a parent. Staff also told council the helmet age in the draft is set at 18 (the age of majority), but that council could amend that threshold — some neighboring jurisdictions use age 16.

State coordination and marketplaces: Rausch said staff is coordinating with regional peers and watching developments at the state level. He cited a session bill, "HB 948," under consideration that could require education for some riders and direct ODOT to develop statewide guidance; staff also noted the local code mirrors Ohio Revised Code language in places and will be evaluated for local clarity.

Council questions and community input: Council members pressed staff about sidewalk operation, device speeds, and enforcement practicability, and urged early engagement with Hilliard City Schools. Staff said an informal web survey is live on the city site and that staff plans outreach to HOAs, schools, bike shops and other stakeholders before pursuing broader code redefinitions.

Next steps: Rausch told the committee the ordinance would be presented for a first reading at the regular meeting and could reach a second reading in late August; staff will pursue education, signage expansion and community engagement in the interim.

The Committee of the Whole did not vote on the ordinance; the only formal action taken was to adjourn the meeting.