Lakeside Park could soon fine e-bike riders up to $100 for sidewalk violations under a proposed ordinance that bans the fastest electric bikes from city sidewalks entirely.

The City Council gave Ordinance No. 12-2026 its first reading on Monday, Sept. 14. The measure would amend Chapter 40 of the city code to regulate electric bicycles on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. A second reading has not been formally scheduled.

Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach motor-assisted speeds of 28 mph, would be banned from all city sidewalks and required to operate on roadways. So would electric motor-driven cycles, including e-dirt bikes and mini motorcycles with motors exceeding 750 watts or speeds above 28 mph.

Slower e-bikes could still ride on sidewalks. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes would be permitted but capped at 15 mph. Riders would have to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

The ordinance also sets equipment rules. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on sidewalks would need a forward-facing headlamp lit from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, a red rear light or reflector, a horn or bell audible from 200 feet, and functional brakes. Riders under 18 would be required to wear a helmet meeting nationally recognized safety standards.

Penalties follow three steps. A first offense draws a written warning. For minors, a parent or guardian must sign the warning, and a copy goes on file at the Police Department. A second offense carries a fine of up to $50 plus court costs. A third or subsequent offense rises to $100 plus court costs.

No e-bike or motor-assisted vehicle could be parked in a way that blocks a sidewalk, transit stop, ADA access route, fire hydrant, driveway, crosswalk, or building entrance. The ordinance states it does not restrict the use of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other disability-related devices, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Lakeside Park is one of several Northern Kentucky cities writing e-bike rules. Fort Mitchell unanimously passed its own e-bike ordinance on Aug. 31, banning Class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, according to city council minutes. 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 started at a Kenton County Mayors Group meeting in August, where Pohlgeers agreed to share Fort Mitchell's draft regulations with other mayors. Kentucky state law, KRS 189.287, does not define e-bike classes separately and treats electric bicycles the same as traditional bikes, as LINK nky reports. That gap has left cities writing their own rules.

Lakeside Park had flagged e-bike safety concerns publicly as early as Feb. 20, when the city posted a safety advisory about e-bikes and e-scooters on its website.

The council's next meeting is Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., where the ordinance could come up for its second and final reading.