Lakeside Park’s proposed e-bike restrictions were scheduled for a second reading at the city council’s Monday, Oct. 12, meeting, but the outcome remains unconfirmed.

The city’s posted proposal would prohibit Class 3 e-bikes and electric motor-driven cycles on sidewalks and impose a 15 mph sidewalk speed limit on Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and traditional bicycles.

Slower models — Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which top out at 20 mph — would still be allowed on sidewalks under new restrictions. Riders would have to yield to pedestrians, give an audible signal before passing and stay under 15 mph.

The ordinance would require riders under 18 to wear helmets on city sidewalks. All e-bikes used on sidewalks would need headlamps lit from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, a red rear light or reflector, functional brakes and a horn or bell audible from at least 200 feet.

Parking rules would prohibit leaving any e-bike or bicycle where it blocks a sidewalk, ADA access route, fire hydrant, driveway, crosswalk, transit stop or building entrance. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other disability-related devices are explicitly exempted.

The penalty structure starts with a written warning for a first offense. A second offense carries a fine of up to $50, and a third or later offense can reach $100. For riders under 18, fines would go to a parent or guardian.

The council introduced the ordinance at its Sept. 14 meeting, as we reported Sept. 30.

Lakeside Park's proposed rules closely mirror those Fort Mitchell passed unanimously on Aug. 31, as we reported Oct. 14. Both cities target Class 3 e-bikes for a full sidewalk ban and cap slower models at 15 mph. Fort Mitchell has since added a "Walk Your Wheels" requirement along Beechwood Road during school hours through a separate ordinance, LINK nky reported. Lakeside Park's ordinance does not include a similar provision.

Fort Mitchell Mayor Greg Pohlgeers told WCPO in August that "our biggest concern is, is obviously the child safety, but also pedestrian safety as well." The push for local rules began at a Kenton County Mayors Group meeting that month, where Pohlgeers agreed to share Fort Mitchell's draft regulations with other mayors, as WCPO reported. Kentucky’s statewide bicycle-safety regulation does not establish separate Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bike categories.

Lakeside Park City Council's next meeting is Nov. 9.