Lakewood Committee Weighs New Rules for E-Bikes and Scooters

Lakewood’s Housing Planning and Development Committee met July 6 to continue work on updating city code covering bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and other micro mobility devices. Assistant Director Boss presented an overview of proposed definition changes developed with the city’s CASE board over the past several months. Current Code Predates Newer Devices Boss told the committee that Lakewood’s existing definitions for mobility devices date to 2019 and no longer reflect the range of devices now used across the city. He said the CASE board has been meeting on the issue for months and has focused first on definitions before moving into questions about where each device can operate. One proposed change would update the definition of a motorized bicycle to align with the Ohio Revised Code, which now separates that term from electric bicycles and low speed micro mobility devices. The committee also discussed creating a broader category for devices such as electric skateboards and one wheeled unicycles that do not fit neatly into existing definitions. Officials also raised the idea of defining a new category tentatively called an electronic motorcycle. Boss said the state has no current definition for such a device, but he described products that exceed 750 watts and provide assistance above 28 mph, well beyond what a typical e-bike offers. He said these devices increasingly resemble mopeds or small motorcycles and are being ridden by children in Lakewood. Speed and Safety Concerns Raised Committee members described witnessing riders traveling at high speeds on sidewalks and in bike lanes. One council member said they had seen a device reach speeds of 40 to 45 mph on a city street. Another member described watching young children ride similar devices through a playground area at Lakewood Park. Several committee members said they preferred focusing on regulating reckless behavior rather than trying to define and restrict specific devices. Council President Kepple said it can be more effective to legislate around unsafe conduct than around categories of people or devices. Council Member Bixenstine pointed to riders traveling the wrong direction in bike lanes on Madison Avenue as one specific behavior of concern. Council Member Strebig raised the idea of a sticker or identification system, similar to one used in Maryland, that would help police distinguish between device classes. Strebig also suggested the city consider an age requirement for certain devices and noted an existing youth education program that has seen low attendance. Boss confirmed that Lakewood police have already been involved in discussions and have sat in on CASE board meetings. He said existing reckless operation rules already give police tools to address unsafe riding regardless of what device is involved. Public Comment Reflects Split Concerns A resident who serves on the CASE board spoke during public comment in a personal capacity. She said she supported holding riders accountable for reckless behavior but argued that current code language can unfairly restrict lawful e-bike riders, including parents and older adults with mobility needs. She said sidewalks and shared paths function as transportation infrastructure, not just recreation space, for many riders. Another resident who spoke suggested that removable throttles could help distinguish between different types of devices and noted that throttle access is especially important for elderly riders or those with limited mobility. Next Steps Boss said the CASE board plans to continue working through the second phase of its review, which will address where different devices are permitted to operate on sidewalks, bike lanes and shared use paths. Committee members agreed the city should communicate existing rules to residents in the meantime rather than waiting for a full code rewrite. Watch the Meeting Watch the July 6 Lakewood Housing, Planning and Development Committee meeting: Lakewood Debates Rules for E-Bikes and Scooters .