Fort Mitchell riders face a 15 mph speed limit on sidewalks, a ban on e-bikes in city parks and a "walk your wheels" zone near Beechwood School under an ordinance the city council passed Monday, Oct. 12.
The council held the second reading of Ordinance 2026-13 at its Oct. 12 meeting, WLWT reported Tuesday, Oct. 13. The measure amends Chapter 73 of the city code to regulate electric bicycles, scooters and similar devices on public sidewalks.
The rules require riders to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. A bell, horn or verbal warning qualifies. Devices must carry a sound-making device audible from at least 200 feet.
Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, and electric motor-driven cycles are banned from Fort Mitchell sidewalks entirely. E-motos, defined in the ordinance as electric vehicles exceeding 28 mph with motors above 750 watts, include electric dirt bikes and mini motorcycles.
Riders under 18 must wear a helmet meeting nationally recognized safety standards. All riders must have a headlamp and a red rear light or reflector when riding between a half-hour after sunset and a half-hour before sunrise.
Parks are mostly off-limits. E-bikes and scooters cannot be ridden in public parks except on park roadways and in parking lots. The city also gained authority to designate "walk-only" sidewalk sections.
An amended provision requires riders to walk their e-bikes through the school zone on Beechwood Road 45 minutes before school starts and 45 minutes after dismissal, according to Link NKY. Mayor Greg Pohlgeers said at the Sept. 14 council meeting that Beechwood Independent Schools Superintendent Justin Kaiser supports the measure and planned to communicate the rules to families.
Parking restrictions bar riders from blocking sidewalks, ADA access routes, fire hydrants, driveways, crosswalks, transit stops or building entrances. The ordinance states it does not restrict the use of wheelchairs or mobility devices.
The ordinance process began in July 2026. The base version, Ordinance 2026-12, passed unanimously at the Aug. 31 council meeting after five residents raised safety concerns at the Aug. 17 first reading, council minutes show. Tom McDonald, Janice Shroder, Braden Smith, Terry Honebrink and Glen Willman offered suggestions on rules, registrations, age restrictions and training classes. Resident Colleen Scanlon Maynard told the council she rides e-bikes safely with her grandchildren and asked the city not to eliminate their use.
Council member Kim Nachazel said at the Aug. 31 meeting that e-bike and scooter riders with horns and bells forget pedestrians have the right of way, especially on Beechwood's narrow sidewalks.
"I see these kids riding to school. I see them riding to practice and other activities. I like that aspect of it; I really do, but if they're going to continue to do it, they have to do it in a safe manner," Pohlgeers said at an Aug. 17 Kenton County Mayors Group meeting, as WCPO reported.
Fort Thomas passed its own e-bike ordinance in late September. Alexandria, Florence, Union and Covington are also considering or have enacted similar rules.
Official minutes from the Oct. 12 meeting have not been published. The next Fort Mitchell council meetings are Nov. 9 and Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at 2355 Dixie Highway.
