Minors riding e-bikes, scooters or mopeds on Hilliard streets would need helmets, and police could impound devices used illegally, under an ordinance headed for a public hearing Aug. 24.

Ordinance 26-17, sponsored by council member Greg Betts, would amend Chapter 373 of the city code to add three requirements: mandatory helmets for any minor on any micromobility device, parental responsibility when children violate the rules, and authority for Hilliard Police to seize devices operated in violation of city law. Parents or guardians would have to claim impounded vehicles.

"I am hearing a lot from constituents about how, and where, the kids are using these," Betts told the Hilliard Beacon, a local newsletter, on July 28.

The ordinance received its first reading at the July 13 council meeting, after a Committee of the Whole briefing on e-bike enforcement earlier that evening.

No vote was taken. Hilliard's legislative process requires two readings before council can act.

The second reading and public hearing are set for Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. at the Hilliard Municipal Building, 3800 Municipal Way. Council could vote or table the measure that night.

What would change

Ohio law already requires Class 3 e-bike riders to be at least 16 and wear a helmet. Hilliard's proposal goes further, according to a Columbus Dispatch survey of regional e-bike rules: the helmet mandate would cover all minors on any micromobility device, not just Class 3 e-bikes.

Violations would be a minor misdemeanor. Repeat offenses within a year could escalate to a fourth-degree or third-degree misdemeanor.

The city defines a low-speed micromobility device as anything under 100 pounds with handlebars, propelled by an electric motor or human power, that generally does not exceed 20 mph.

Existing rules stay in place

Current Chapter 373 rules still apply: e-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited in Hilliard parks, including Station Park and First Responders Park in downtown Hilliard. The city recently updated signage at both parks. Devices may not be operated within park boundaries but can use the bicycle lane that crosses through Station Park.

Regional trend

Hilliard is not acting alone. Westerville passed new e-bike regulations July 7, Dublin and Delaware updated their rules earlier in 2026, and Upper Arlington is considering mandatory e-bike registration.

How to weigh in

Council President Emily Cole told the Hilliard Beacon she will solicit public feedback at council meetings before any vote. Residents can also submit comments through the city's Ride Safely page.

Betts told the Beacon that further refinements could be proposed after council considers the current amendments on helmets and impound authority.