OHIO — State lawmakers have stepped in and pushed for new e-bike and scooter regulations.
These new state regulations come after 2,200 municipalities throughout the state have worked to create their own regulations.
News Center 7’s Nick Foley looks at what’s being done to keep people safe.
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The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that injuries among youth using e-bikes have increased by nearly 300% in the last few years.
That has parents, local leaders and neighbors worried the problem is getting out of control.
“My main concern is something unfortunately may happen in order to get peoples alert to what’s going on and how to control it,” said Tim Rambeau of Tipp City.
Rambeau is not alone in his concern. Several state lawmakers have introduced legislation to make the use of e-bikes and e-scooters safer in the state of Ohio.
“Law enforcement, parents, teachers, let’s get on board here,” said State Rep. Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood).
Synenberg and Senator Bill Demora (D-Columbus) have pushed a measure that would put new regulations on both e-bikes and scooters.
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The new changes consist of registering all owned and rented devices through personal ownership or rental companies.
The requirements to own them are mandatory helmet use and online classes for those without a driver’s license, plus operating restrictions would apply to certain bikes that can reach speeds over 20 mph.
In fact, high-performance bikes would only be able to be used by adults 18 and up.
Plan organizers said this is about health and safety, not a political issue.
“When the weather gets better, then there are plenty of these at the corner of my street, and there aren’t even 25 of them in December and January,” Sen. Demora said. “But as soon as spring hits or 25 of these things at the corner of my street and we have to do something because it’s are getting hurt, people are getting hurt.”
The measure has already been introduced in the State Senate and is expected to be put into the House sometime within the next week.
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