Powell's operations committee is moving toward new rules for e-bikes after a city survey found nearly all respondents consider them a safety concern.
Police Chief Ron Sallows presented the survey results at the committee's Tuesday, Oct. 20, meeting, as first reported by Delaware Source. Of 306 total responses, 97.4% of respondents called micro-mobility devices at least a moderate safety concern. More than three-quarters, 78.5%, called them a significant concern.
The committee did not vote but agreed on two priorities for future legislation: rules should cover all micro-mobility devices, including e-scooters, e-skateboards and mopeds, and riders 18 and under should be required to wear helmets.
"Our goal is to develop rules that are understandable to residents, enforceable by our officers and that appropriately protect pedestrians without removing reasonable mobility options in Powell," Sallows said, according to Delaware Source.
The survey, open to Powell residents in August, drew 233 responses from verified city addresses. Among the findings: 91.8% identified unsafe operation on city streets and paths as a primary issue, 74.2% cited pedestrian safety and 71.2% flagged riders not wearing helmets.
Written comments focused on juvenile riders, excessive speed, failure to obey stop signs and parental responsibility. Two-thirds of respondents left written comments that "consistently focused on unsafe rider behavior rather than the mere existence of the devices," according to the survey summary Sallows presented.
The message was clear. Residents are not asking for a ban, Sallows told the committee, but want the city to separate normal, courteous riding from conduct that creates genuine risk, Delaware Source reported.
Half of respondents said they wanted further restrictions on devices in certain spaces. Another 24.1% suggested specific actions such as age restrictions, licensing, speed limits or enforcement of existing laws.
The proposed legislation would address where electric devices are permitted, speed limits, lighting, distracted-driving restrictions and enforcement measures.
Sallows also reviewed how nearby cities have handled the issue. New Albany enacted 15 code amendments covering definitions, traffic rules and helmet requirements. Dublin limits covered devices to streets with a posted speed of 25 mph or less, sidewalks and shared-use paths. Upper Arlington requires riders to complete a safety class before registering an e-bike.
The issue has been building in Powell for months. The Powell Police Department logged 47 reported incidents or complaints involving e-bikes and similar vehicles from January 2025 through May 2026. In June, the department launched an education campaign with pamphlets and online materials. Officers gave free ice cream coupons to kids observed riding safely.
At the committee's June 16 meeting, Councilmember David Lester described the scale of the problem in his neighborhood, saying e-bikes there "are out of control and there can be 10 to 20 of them and will be like a swarm of bees," according to meeting minutes.
The committee plans to meet at least once more before the end of 2026 to continue drafting the ordinance before sending it to Powell City Council for review.
