Powell residents have three weeks to tell the city how e-bikes and e-scooters are affecting their neighborhoods, trails and streets.

The City of Powell opened its Micro-Mobility Device Community Survey on Aug. 3, collecting feedback that could shape new rules for the devices on shared-use paths, sidewalks and roadways. The survey closes Monday, Aug. 24, and is available at surveymonkey.com/r/JRZHNQN.

The effort grew out of months of discussion at City Hall. At the June 16 Operations Committee meeting, City Manager Andrew White cited Upper Arlington's approach as a model, noting that city's constituent survey "received a good response and showed that there was a problem within the community." Committee Chair Leif Carlson backed the idea, saying he had heard complaints from neighbors.

Police Chief Ron Sallows told the same committee that his department has been dealing with e-bike issues for about two years. He described several close calls and serious injuries, and said officers have used drones to track riders who flee because police do not pursue for safety reasons.

"There have been several close calls and a couple of serious incidents with injuries in the City," Sallows said at the June 16 meeting.

The department has partnered with Johnson's Ice Cream to offer free scoops to juveniles caught wearing helmets. Officers also hand out safety brochures and contact parents after every juvenile encounter.

Councilmember David Lester described the situation in his neighborhood as "out of control," telling the committee that groups of 10 to 20 riders travel together "like a swarm of bees." Resident Les Wibberley, a frequent trail user, asked for clearer signage at major trail entrances listing which vehicles are permitted.

Current rules

Under existing Powell ordinances, e-bikes are allowed wherever bicycles are permitted when the motor is not engaged. E-scooters may be ridden on public streets, sidewalks, shared-use paths and bike lanes, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Ohio law classifies e-bikes in three classes, with Class 3 models capable of 28 mph requiring operators to be at least 16 and wear a helmet.

Sallows noted that many devices purchased online do not meet Ohio's e-bike classification. Bikes modified to exceed 28 mph or stripped of pedals become electric dirt bikes under state law, requiring registration and a driver's license.

Why now

The survey arrives as Powell expands its trail network. City Council approved the city's first Parks and Recreation Master Plan on July 21, which calls for improving trails and expanding connections between parks and neighborhoods. The Bennett Farm path, a 2,200-foot shared-use trail connecting Bartholomew Drive to Arbor Ridge Park and downtown Powell, is currently in design as a high-priority project.

Enforcement also crosses municipal lines. White told the committee that effective regulation may require coordination between the city, Liberty Township and the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office has only one deputy assigned to the Liberty Township area at any given time.

Powell joins several Columbus-area suburbs addressing the issue in 2026. Westerville passed new e-bike rules July 7, Upper Arlington is considering a registration requirement, and Hilliard was weighing changes in August.

How to participate: The survey is open through Monday, Aug. 24, at surveymonkey.com/r/JRZHNQN. Current city rules on micro-mobility devices are posted at cityofpowell.us/About-Us/Police-Department/Micro-Mobility-Devices.