Columbus senator proposes statewide rules for e-bikes and e-scooters

State Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat, has introduced Senate Bill 477 to replace a patchwork of city rules for e-bikes and e-scooters with one statewide standard. Rep. Eric Synenberg, a Beachwood Democrat, plans a House version.

The bill would require helmets for every rider, ban riders younger than 14 and keep children under 12 from riding with anyone younger than 21. It sets speed limits of 10 mph on shared-use paths and 5 mph on sidewalks.

Riders of Class 3 e-bikes, which reach 28 mph with motor help, would need a driver's license or learner's permit. Privately owned e-bikes and e-scooters would need a $25 registration and a visible sticker.

Current law sets 16 as the minimum age to operate a Class 3 e-bike and requires helmets for riders under 18, with no age limits on privately owned scooters or on Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, which top out at 20 mph. The sponsors want a law in place before spring and point to research showing sharp increases in youth injuries.