NORTH BALTIMORE, Ohio (WTVG) – New rules for e-bikes and other motorized devices take effect in North Baltimore on Sept. 17, following reports from residents who said they nearly got hit.
Village Administrator Josh Bender said the ordinance was prompted by residents who came forward with concerns.
“We had some residents come to us with some stories of almost getting hit by e-bikes coming out of some of the establishments here in the downtown area,” Bender said.
The ordinance targets e-bikes, motorized scooters and similar devices. Key provisions include:
Motorized bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards and similar devices are banned from sidewalks village-wide.On Main Street between Water and Broadway streets downtown, riders must walk bikes, scooters, skateboards and roller skates on the sidewalk.The devices are banned on streets closed for parades, festivals or other special events.
Bender said faster-moving devices belong on the street, not the sidewalk.
“If they’re going 20, 30 miles an hour, they belong on the street. I would advise residents who have kids to reconsider — at the very least — their young child having one of these devices without really thinking it through,” Bender said.
Bender said enforcement of the new rule will be up to police, though he offered a recommendation.
“I can’t tell the police what to do, but I would highly recommend — I would recommend that they give warnings, at least for the first month or two,” Bender said.
A resident who did not want to show his face said his e-bike goes about 20 mph. He said he supports the change.
“I think it’s a good thing because of pedestrian safety. Some people don’t pay attention — some people do,” he said.
Bender said one group is exempt from the ordinance.
“This ordinance will not pertain to people in wheelchairs with mobility devices. We made sure they are exempted. They are welcome anywhere in the village,” Bender said.
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