E-bike safety requirements remain under discussion
by Laura Bednar
June 9 city council meeting
In response to the rising popularity of e-bikes and regional push for safety regulations, Police Chief Robert Butler proposed an amendment to the city’s electric bicycle ordinance.
The current ordinance states that class 1 and 2 electric bicycles are permitted on paths exclusively for bicycles or a shared-use path. Class 3 electric bicycles, which Butler said can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, are not permitted on bike or shared-use paths. No one under age 16 may operate a class 3 e-bike, but they are permitted to be passengers.
None of the classes of e-bikes are allowed on paths “used primarily for mountain biking, hiking, equestrian use, or other similar uses, or any other single track or natural surface trail that has historically been reserved for non-motorized use.”
Butler said the additions to the ordinance are prohibiting class 3 e-bikes from operating on sidewalks in the city, and stating that anyone younger than 18 may not operate or be a passenger on a class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike without a helmet that “meets the standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials.”
State law only requires a helmet for class 3 e-bike operators and passengers.
Councilperson Dale Veverka recommended council consider adding motorized scooters to the legislation. Butler said there is a difference in the machines and there have been two accidents with e-bikes in the city over the past two years, but none with scooters.
Councilperson Kevin Day suggested the legislation be referred to the safety committee for a deeper dive. “This is not something new, we had all winter to do this,” he said.
Councilperson Sarah Szweda said it was brought up in a safety committee meeting once but was not seen again until that evening’s agenda.
Butler said the department waited intentionally until they had “concrete regional data and clear statutory frameworks to build upon.” He said rushing legislation a year ago would have resulted in unenforceable code. With a regional effort alongside Brecksville, Seven Hills and Parma to follow the same format, Butler said it is easier for area children to know helmets are required.
“This is an opportune time to join forces and get the message out right now that all of our children should be wearing their helmets,” said Butler. “Things can be added in the future.”
The ordinance was left on first reading until further discussion is had.
In other news
New full-time police officer Brad Brocco was sworn-in, maintaining the department’s number of 38 officers after another officer retired. Brocco is a resident and Independence High School graduate.
City council approved the purchase of two new Mack snowplow trucks for the service department for just over $1 million. Funds are encumbered for the purchase and service director Ron McKinley said the new trucks are expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2027. The two trucks being replaced will be cannibalized and used for spare parts.