Hilliard council holds first reading of draft e‑bike, micro‑mobility ordinance; safety, sidewalk rules debated

HILLIARD — City council members held a first reading of Ordinance 26‑17, a draft update to the city’s code covering bicycles, e‑bicycles and low‑speed micro‑mobility devices, and debated how the rules should address lighting, sidewalk use and enforcement.

The ordinance was read by staff as introduced so residents could review a concrete proposal and submit feedback over the summer. “We brought legislation forward so that we had something to start with, to help get the conversation going with the community,” the presiding official said, adding the measure would not move forward tonight and no votes were taken.

During public comment, resident David Hopcraft told council the central question is whether a device is truly self‑propelled or motor‑assisted. “If you have to pedal to work them, then it takes issue,” Hopcraft said, and asked the city to consider registration for riders under 18 and proof of insurance to increase parental accountability. He also urged helmet use and stricter oversight on trail speeds where families ride.

Council members asked staff whether the draft should include lighting requirements for after‑dark use. Staff responded that an existing section of code already requires lights for bicycles and e‑bicycles at night and during rain or fog, but that provision was not being amended in this ordinance. Staff suggested that lighting and similar matters could be emphasized in the public education that accompanies the ordinance or addressed in a subsequent ordinance drawing on community feedback.

Members also raised whether the draft should explicitly ban use of motorized assistance on sidewalks; staff said the draft is narrowly tailored and that further alignment across code chapters (for parks, sidewalks and other device types) could be part of a second ordinance after summer engagement.

Staff cited recent crash reports to underline that device use is evolving locally: “We’ve had, I believe, seven injury crash reports, mostly involving scooters,” a staff representative said, noting an increase from three such incidents the previous year.

Councilmembers stressed they wanted robust public input before advancing enforcement provisions. The ordinance will return for a public hearing and second reading on Aug. 24, 2026, allowing time for the city to collect survey results and resident comments.

Next steps: Staff will continue public outreach over the summer and the council will take up the ordinance again at the Aug. 24 meeting.