Committee coalesces around proposal to move e-bikes off Fort Thomas sidewalks

The Fort Thomas Labor and License Committee discussed and largely agreed on a draft ordinance that would prohibit electric bicycles from sidewalks and require those e-bikes to operate on streets only, while still allowing single-person electric mobility devices such as scooters on sidewalks if riders yield to pedestrians.

"The current proposal on the table would call for a ban of all ebikes regardless of classification from the sidewalks," the Chair said, while also noting the draft "requires helmets for all ebike riders under the age of 18." Committee members repeatedly described the approach as a starting point that can be refined in later drafts.

Members cited a narrow average sidewalk width (about four feet) compared with e-bike handlebar widths (28 to 32 inches) and said mixing faster, heavier e-bikes with pedestrians, strollers and elderly walkers raised safety concerns. One committee member said the proposal is "pedestrian-first" and described the draft as "a foundation for the ordinance" that is not set in stone.

The committee discussed outstanding drafting items (definitions, park/playground language, and specific geographic exclusions) and debated enforcement practicality. The Chair said the committee's goal is to forward a recommendation for a first reading to the full council next month after minor edits and clarifications.

The draft remains a policy recommendation at the committee level; no formal vote was recorded during the meeting and the committee left several details (age thresholds for helmets, exact business-district signage, and geographic boundaries) to be finalized before council consideration.