Hilliard residents can weigh in on e-bike and e-scooter regulations at a community forum confirmed for Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The city announced the event will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Well at Alton Hall, 3993 Cosgray Road, according to the city's website. Attendees will break into small-table discussions about how micromobility devices are used in Hilliard and how the city can support safe riding.

The forum follows Hilliard City Council's unanimous 6-0 vote on Aug. 24 to adopt new safety rules for e-bikes, scooters and other low-speed mobility devices. Councilwoman Cynthia Vermillion was absent.

Those rules took effect Sept. 23. They require riders under 18 to wear helmets, ban Class 3 e-bikes (those capable of 28 mph) from city bike and shared-use paths, and give the Hilliard Division of Police authority to impound devices involved in violations. Parents or guardians of children who recklessly violate the rules face a minor misdemeanor on the first offense; repeat violations within a year could bring higher charges.

City Manager Josh Rauch signaled the forum was coming when council approved the ordinance. "This ordinance is only step one," Rauch said at the Aug. 24 meeting, as reported by the Hilliard Beacon. Councilman Andy Teater said at the same meeting that the ordinance did not go far enough.

Rauch floated the Oct. 13 date to council on Sept. 14, describing the forum's dual purpose: gathering ideas for local follow-up and feeding feedback to state lawmakers, according to the Hilliard Beacon. The city confirmed the date, venue and format on Sept. 24.

Discussion topics will include types of devices, acceptable and problematic rider behaviors, and whether additional regulations should be considered.

The city said it will compile feedback from the event to determine whether further action is needed. It also plans to share results with regional partners and the Ohio Legislature, where House Bill 948 would create statewide e-bike safety education requirements and a public safety study. The bill, introduced by Reps. Kevin Miller (R-Newark) and Andrea White (R-Kettering), has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.

The city has also posted signs at Hilliard Station Park and First Responders Park directing riders to keep e-bikes, scooters and other motorized devices on adjacent bike paths rather than inside the parks.

No follow-up council vote or comment deadline beyond the Oct. 13 forum has been announced.