Council weighs youth helmet requirement and downtown restrictions for e-bikes, e-scooters

The Columbus Committee of the Whole discussed revisions to Chapter 98 on Aug. 5 to address a growing number of electric bikes and scooters in town and frequent reports of unsafe riding.

Police Chief Weiner told the committee he had collected ordinances from other communities and saw “very dangerous riding” locally this summer, including incidents he described as an obstacle course through crowds at a recent event. He proposed drafting an ordinance that could include a youth helmet requirement, downtown restrictions, and an emphasis on public education ahead of enforcement.

Brian Nagel, a neurologist with UW Health, urged the council to add a youth helmet rule tied to the ordinance. “I would ask that the council consider adding a youth helmet requirement to these updates,” he said, citing studies that he said link helmet laws to lower child fatality rates and long-term neurologic injury. Nagel offered to help with data and community education.

Council members generally supported a helmet requirement for younger riders but debated scope and enforcement. Some alderpersons suggested limiting downtown use by speed or hand-walk rules rather than an outright ban, and noted that signage and an easy-to-read chart defining vehicle types could help public understanding. The chief recommended drafting a balanced ordinance, having city attorney review the language, and returning with a draft in two meetings so the council could consider final wording and enforcement options.

Next steps: staff will prepare a draft ordinance for review with the city attorney and return to the council for further action.