Hilliard City Council unanimously approved new safety rules for bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters and other low-speed mobility devices at its Aug. 24 meeting.
The changes come after the City received significant feedback from residents concerned about the safety of children riding e-bikes and scooters around Hilliard.
The new rules take effect Sept. 23 and include the following:
- All riders under 18 must wear helmets.
- Parents or guardians whose children recklessly violate the City’s regulations could face a minor misdemeanor for a first offense. Additional violations within a year could result in higher misdemeanor charges.
- Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, are prohibited on the City’s bike paths and shared-use paths
- The Division of Police will have the authority to impound e-bikes, scooters, and other low-speed mobility devices involved in violations of the City’s traffic code.
Earlier this summer, the City also added signs at Hilliard’s Station Park reminding riders that e-bikes, scooters and other motorized mobility devices are not permitted in the park. Riders are directed to keep these devices on the bike paths adjacent to the park.
The City will continue working with Hilliard City Schools to educate students about safe e-bike and e-scooter use. A community meeting is also planned for this fall to gather additional feedback and discuss more specific regulations for Hilliard.
These changes are part of the City’s ongoing effort to respond to residents’ concerns and help make Hilliard’s streets, sidewalks and shared-use paths safer for everyone.
The State of Ohio is also considering legislative changes to this issue. Read more about House Bill 948.
Do you know the rules before you ride? We’ve put everything in one place on our Ride Safely webpage, including local laws, safety tips and where different devices are currently permitted.
