SEVEN HILLS, Ohio — Tired of the Wild West-like environment related to the increased abundance of electric bikes (e-bikes) traversing city streets and parks with a disregard for safety, Seven Hills Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta is proposing an update to existing ordinances.
“We’re talking about regulating electric bicycles in the general public,” he said. “Their use has increased and the abilities of the electric bicycles have significantly changed over the years.
“Keeping pace with the times, Seven Hills City Council is going to be looking to amend our current rules governing electric bicycles.
“This has been happening in several communities around us, including in Parma. For consistency, we’ll be proposing changes that are permanent.”
The plan is for City Council to examine the issue in the next couple of months.
Expected changes to the updated legislation include requiring a helmet on all e-bikes, as well as a speedometer on class 3 e-bikes.
Also required will be illumination for low-light conditions and reflectors.
“And if you’re on a trail, shared path, bicycle path or sidewalk, the (e-bike) motor should not be engaged,” he said.
“These paths weren’t created for electric bike motors. Everything that we’re looking to do is safety-oriented.”
While Biasiotta noted the city hasn’t had any e-bike incidents, residents have complained about “close calls.”
The mayor hopes any proposed legislation is passed in the spring just as e-bikes come out of winter storage.
“I’m aware that City Council is in the process of updating the e-bike ordinances,” Seven Hills Police Chief Michael Salloum said.
“It’s a proactive approach to ensure the safety of the e-bike riders, pedestrians and the motoring public in an effort to prevent any incidents.”
Read more news from the Parma Sun Post here.
