Fort Mitchell City Council heard its second reading on regulating e-bikes throughout the city at Monday night’s meeting.
Some residents who spoke at the meeting said adding new regulations was going too far.
“I know some people, kids, are not paying attention to what they are doing, but that’s not all the kids,” said resident Colleen Scanlon-Maynard. “I don’t think everybody should be punished for behavior that some kids have.”
Others expressed concerns about safety measures for e-bike use, with several calling for stronger regulations.
“There are great kids that follow the rules and do what they’re supposed to, but there are a lot that aren’t,” said Terry Honebrink. “If a kid runs into me and I get hurt, who pays for my medical bills? If I’m getting ready to turn and a kid hits my car, who pays for the damage? Those are my concerns.”
At Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Greg Pohlgeers proposed three additions to the current ordinance to provide stronger safety measures.
First, both class 1 and class 2 e-bikes will have a speed limit of 10mph, compared to the current 15mph. Secondly, riders must walk the e-bikes, rather than ride them during certain hours of the day (for example, the hour before and after school). Lastly, riders can be fined for dangerous behavior or face possible confiscation of their e-bike for repeatedly violating the regulations.
Several council members supported these proposals while signaling that more robust revisions should be added.
“I do like the idea about the certain times of the day because the sidewalk on Beachwood Road is narrow and the people on e-bikes forget the pedestrians have the right of way.” Councilmember Kim Nachazel. “Just because they have a bell or whistle doesn’t mean people have to get out of your way; there is no place for people to go.”
Following additional comments and concerns from council, Pohlgeers said current and additional safety proposals will continue to be revised by council until an ordinance is passed.
The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
