Beachwood council to update code on e-bikes and e-scooters, weighing enforcement and education

The Beachwood City Council began a detailed review of proposed code changes for e-bikes and e-scooters, focusing on safety, enforceability and public education rather than an immediate ban. Police and council members agreed to refine draft language and coordinate with neighboring communities before pursuing a first reading.

Police Chief (speaking during the meeting) said the city’s bicycle and motor vehicle ordinances are largely unchanged since 1974 and that new device classes and speeds require explicit definitions. "These devices... can get up to, you know, 25, 30 miles an hour," the chief said, arguing that higher speeds increase risks for pedestrians and complicate enforcement.

Council members discussed whether to prohibit motorized operation on sidewalks, with one member pointing to Bexley’s outright prohibition as one model and others warning that a total ban could push children into streets and create enforcement burdens. The chief described the practical limits of policing speed violations without specialized equipment, saying officers may only be able to "stop and engage the person and have a conversation" in many cases.

A staff member presented standard class definitions used by other jurisdictions: class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph), class 2 (throttle or assist up to 20 mph), and class 3 (pedal-assist up to 28 mph). The staff member noted the draft ordinance seeks to mirror common municipal language so residents and officers have clear expectations.

Members emphasized education as a central tool. "Part of that will be a public information campaign through social media, putting out information for the parents," the Police Chief said, outlining plans for materials, school outreach and possibly a safety-town style program. Ben, a parent and communications professional who spoke at the meeting, said simple guides explaining class 1, 2 and 3 distinctions would help families: "I couldn't really know it was class 1, 2, or 3," he said of his son’s e-bike.

Councilors also discussed park-path rules and harmonizing requirements with neighboring communities such as Pepper Pike, which allows class 1 and 2 e-bikes on bike paths. Members flagged legal-classification gaps for heavily modified devices that exceed class definitions and whether such machines might be treated as unlicensed motorcycles under state or local law.

Rather than rushing to a comprehensive ban, several council members urged an incremental approach: prioritize the most serious public-safety concerns, craft enforceable language, and combine regulations with outreach. Staff and council agreed to further revise the draft ordinance, consult neighboring municipalities, and aim to place the item on the July 13 council agenda or an August meeting for first reading or additional review.

The meeting concluded with direction to return a revised draft and supporting education materials; no formal vote or ordinance adoption occurred at the session.