Findlay eyeing rules for electric bikes

FINDLAY — Safety concerns surrounding electric bikes and other small motorized vehicles may soon give rise to new rules in Findlay. Findlay City Council's Streets, Sidewalks & Parking Committee took up the issue at a July 31 meeting. So far, no recommendation has been made. At the Aug. 5 regular meeting of council, Councilman Grant Russel, R-at-large, said there's definitely an issue. Russel is a member of the committee, along with councilmen Josh Palmer, R-7, chairman, and Jim Niemeyer, R-5. "It's just a matter of time before it ends up on the front page in a poor manner," Russel said. Robin Welly, a resident of Findlay's 5th Ward and president of the West Park Subdivision's Block Watch, pressed council on the issue at the August meeting. She said electric bikes, mini bikes, scooters and golf carts are being misused on city streets, sidewalks and parks. Welly said the topic is raised regularly at Block Watch meetings. Welly said the Findlay Police Department has only been issuing warnings, despite the problem being widespread. "There's no solution in place," Welly said. "It's going to take a campaign to educate the public on what's legal on streets, sidewalks and parks before a tragic accident happens." Welly emphasized that enforcement must go beyond warnings. She proposed escalating fines for repeat offenders and impounding vehicles to get the attention of parents who allow their children to ride unsafely. She was critical of the committee's sparse report on the conversation. Welly said she has conducted extensive research on electric bikes as an advocate for her neighborhood, and said she was disappointed that the committee's report didn't include more information. "It should at least have a page that states electric bikes were discussed and need further discussion," she said. Russel said the committee directed the city administrators to review vehicle definitions and rules included in the Ohio Revised Code to help with discussions. Law Director Rob Feighner Jr. said the city has the authority to create its own regulations and noted that other municipalities are grappling with similar challenges. He recalled past efforts to define "toy vehicles" such as mini bikes and scooters, which fizzled due to the complexity and rapid evolution of such devices. Council President John Harrington said the lack of a committee report was intentional, as the conversation is ongoing and needs further development. He encouraged Welly to share any relevant findings from her research with committee members to help inform future decisions. Inconsistencies in licensing requirements for golf carts and the need for clearer definitions and enforcement mechanisms were also discussed. "This is a conversation that's far from over," Harrington said.