Fort Mitchell could cut its e-bike speed limit on sidewalks from 15 mph to 10 mph under changes Mayor Greg Pohlgeers proposed at the city council's Sept. 1 meeting.

Pohlgeers introduced three additions to the city's evolving e-bike ordinance during its second reading, according to LINK nky. The lower speed cap for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes was one. He also proposed requiring riders to walk their bikes during certain hours near school start and dismissal times and adding fines or possible confiscation for repeat violations.

The proposals go further than the first reading on Aug. 17, which banned faster Class 3 e-bikes from Fort Mitchell sidewalks and capped Class 1 and Class 2 speeds at 15 mph. That version also required helmets and headlights for riders, according to the NKY Tribune.

Some residents at the Aug. 17 meeting had pushed for the 10 mph limit. Pohlgeers' latest proposal adopts that number.

Councilmember Kim Nachazel backed the time-of-day restrictions, pointing to a specific trouble spot. She said she likes the idea of limiting riding during certain hours "because the sidewalk on Beachwood Road is narrow and the people on e-bikes forget the pedestrians have the right of way. Just because they have a bell or whistle doesn't mean people have to get out of your way; there is no place for people to go."

Not everyone agreed the rules should tighten. Resident Colleen Scanlon-Maynard told the council she worried about broad penalties hitting responsible riders. Resident Terry Honebrink raised a different concern: liability when collisions happen, asking who pays for medical bills or car damage if a rider hits a person or vehicle.

Several council members signaled support for Pohlgeers' proposals while suggesting the ordinance still needs more work. Pohlgeers said the safety provisions will continue to be revised until council passes a final version.

At the Aug. 17 Kenton County Mayors Group meeting, Pohlgeers framed the regulations as a balance. "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," he said at the time.

Kentucky state law classifies e-bikes as bicycles, which limits what cities can do. Under KRS 189.287, bicycles are allowed on sidewalks but riders must slow to walking speed when pedestrians are present, according to LINK nky's Aug. 17 report on the first reading. Pohlgeers has said he plans to lobby for e-bike regulations at the state level in Frankfort.

Other Kenton County cities, including Fort Thomas, Alexandria, Florence and Union, are also considering e-bike rules, according to LINK nky.

Fort Mitchell City Council meets next on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m.