Fast wheels and 'amazingly dangerous things'

FINDLAY — Findlay City Council revisited electric bike (e-bike) safety in regular session Tuesday after last year's effort to draft new rules stalled. Councilman Rodney Phillips, R-6, raised the issue, saying he has seen "amazingly dangerous things" as warmer weather brings more riders out. Findlay last examined the issue in 2025, when the Streets, Sidewalks & Parking Committee began reviewing complaints about e-bikes, mini bikes, scooters and golf carts being used on streets, sidewalks and in parks. Residents urged the city to move beyond warnings and set clearer rules, and council members asked administrators to review definitions in the Ohio Revised Code. No recommendation was made, and the discussion ended without legislation. On Tuesday, Law Director Robert Feighner Jr. told council the city already has the tools it needs to address unsafe riding. He said Findlay's code mirrors the Ohio Revised Code on the three classes of e-bikes and that the city's reckless-operation ordinance applies to both traditional bicycles and electric models. Feighner said he does not believe additional legislation is needed at this time. "If it's causing trouble and it's seen by a law enforcement officer, we already have everything in place to cite them. It's just they're still pondering how they want to do that," he said. Ohio established statewide e-bike rules in 2019, creating a three-class system and setting equipment and operating standards. The law defines e-bikes as bicycles rather than motor vehicles and allows Class 1 and Class 2 models on bike paths, while restricting the faster Class 3 models unless a local authority grants permission. State law also allows municipalities to adopt stricter rules on where e-bikes may be ridden. In 2018, council enacted a downtown dismount zone. It prohibits bicycling, skateboarding, roller blading and scooter riding along Main Street from Lincoln Street north to the Blanchard River bridge, including parts of intersecting streets. Violations are a minor misdemeanor on the first offense, with fines up to $150 and increased penalties for repeat offenses. On Tuesday, Mayor Christina Muryn said new sidewalk decals marking the dismount zone are expected to be installed soon and the city plans targeted enforcement this summer to reinforce the rules for riders in the city's busiest pedestrian areas.