Parents of kids riding e-bikes and scooters in Hilliard now face misdemeanor charges if their children break the city's new micromobility rules.

Hilliard City Council voted 6-0 on Aug. 24 to pass Ordinance 26-17, requiring helmets for all riders under 18 on any bicycle, e-bike or low-speed micromobility device, the Hilliard Beacon reported. The law also authorizes police to impound devices used in violation and restricts Class 3 e-bikes from most shared-use paths.

Councilwoman Cynthia Vermillion was absent.

The ordinance takes effect Sept. 23.

What changes for families

Under new Section 373.11, a parent or guardian who "recklessly permits" a child to violate Chapter 373 faces a minor misdemeanor on first offense. A second offense within one year rises to a fourth-degree misdemeanor; subsequent violations within the same year become third-degree misdemeanors.

Hilliard Law Director Thad Boggs told council the word "recklessly" was chosen intentionally. In criminal-law terms, it falls between "knowingly" and "negligently" in culpability.

Police can also impound any bike, e-bike or scooter used in violation. If the device belongs to a juvenile, officers may hold it until a parent or guardian picks it up.

Class 3 bikes restricted from paths

Previously, all three classes of electric bicycles were allowed on Hilliard's shared-use paths. Now, Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, are banned from bike paths and shared-use paths unless the path runs adjacent to a roadway or council separately authorizes access.

The change brings Hilliard's code into alignment with Ohio Revised Code.

'Only step one'

City Manager Josh Rauch called the ordinance "only step one" before the vote and said the city plans to host a community forum, likely in October, to discuss further regulations.

Councilman Andy Teater, who voted yes, said the law "doesn't go far enough." Councilman Greg Betts, the ordinance's sponsor, told the Hilliard Beacon in late July that he was "hearing a lot from constituents about how, and where, the kids are using these."

Council passed the ordinance after roughly 15 minutes of discussion, including public comment from two residents. ABC 6 also reported on the vote.

Rauch said the October forum will help shape follow-up legislation on e-bikes and micromobility devices in Hilliard.