Worthington City Council · Legislative Analysis

Speed Caps, Helmets & Right-of-Way: Inside Worthington’s Micromobility Code

As City Council meets Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, to consider Ordinance No. 31-2026 (As Amended), this interactive breaks down how proposed traffic code reforms balance pedestrian safety with electric bicycles, e-scooters, and shared paths across suburban Worthington.

Date: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
Hearing Location: 6550 N. High St., Worthington, OH
Legislation: Ordinance No. 31-2026 (As Amended)
Key Elements: 8 mph Sidewalk Limit · 15 mph Shared-Use Path · Youth Helmet Mandate
Council Agenda · Oct. 5, 2026

Adapting Traffic Laws to the Micromobility Boom

Worthington City Council convenes at 7:00 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the Louis J.R. Goorey Worthington Municipal Building (6550 N. High St.) for a public hearing and scheduled vote on Ordinance No. 31-2026.

The legislation amends Chapters 301 and 373 of the Worthington Traffic Code, establishing the city's first comprehensive municipal framework governing electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), hoverboards, and other motorized personal transportation devices (PTDs).

Louis J.R. Goorey Worthington Municipal Building exterior in Worthington, Ohio, at 6550 N. High St.
The Louis J.R. Goorey Worthington Municipal Building at 6550 N. High St., where council meets Oct. 5, 2026. Credit: City of Worthington

Council discussions held across April, July, and September 2026 noted that the rapid adoption of higher-speed electric devices has created mounting safety conflicts with pedestrians on community sidewalks and shared trails.

Core Legislative Intent “To update definitions, establish uniform operational rules, and provide administrative flexibility to respond to evolving technology and usage patterns.” Source: Ordinance No. 31-2026 (As Amended) Preamble
Sidewalk Regulations · §373.091(a)

The Sidewalk: 8 mph Speed Cap & Pedestrian Priority

The most debated suburban change establishes a strict 8 mph speed limit for electric bicycles and Personal Transportation Devices operated on any sidewalk within city limits.

Following resident feedback, Assistant Law Director Addison Spriggs submitted a staff memorandum on Oct. 1, 2026, recommending two pivotal amendments:

  • Exempting human-powered boards: Amending Section 301.04 to remove “human-powered” from the PTD definition, preventing standard push skateboards and kick scooters from being inadvertently captured.
  • Adding electric bicycles to the sidewalk cap: Modifying Section 373.091(a) to explicitly mandate that e-bikes must observe the 8 mph limit alongside e-scooters.
Section 373.091(a) Mandate: “No person shall operate an electric bicycle or Personal Transportation Device upon any sidewalk within the City at a speed greater than eight (8) miles per hour.” Source: Staff Memo (Oct. 1, 2026) & Ordinance No. 31-2026 (As Amended)

Pedestrians retain absolute priority: operators must “yield the right of way to a pedestrian upon a sidewalk” (§373.09(a)(5)) and slow down when nearing pedestrians. Devices must be equipped with a bell audible from 100 feet, or the rider must give a timely verbal warning before overtaking (§373.07, §373.09(a)(6)).

Paths & Trails · §373.091 & §373.14

Shared-Use Paths (15 mph) vs. Bans on Natural Trails

Worthington distinguishes between paved, multi-use commuter routes—such as the Olentangy Trail traversing the city—and delicate natural surface paths.

Bike path bridge over Tucker Run along Olentangy Trail in Worthington, surrounded by trees.
The bike path bridge over Tucker Run along the Olentangy Trail in Worthington, where the 15 mph speed limit applies. Credit: Ellie Nowels / Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW)

Under Section 373.091(b), operating an electric bicycle or Personal Transportation Device upon any shared-use path at a speed exceeding 15 miles per hour is prohibited.

E-Bike Class Restrictions on Paths (§373.14):
  • Class 1 & Class 2 e-bikes: Permitted on shared-use paths (motor assist up to 20 mph, motor under 750W).
  • Class 3 e-bikes: Prohibited on shared-use paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway, or explicitly authorized by council (motor assist up to 28 mph).
Source: Ordinance No. 31-2026 (As Amended) §373.14(a)
Complete Ban on Unpaved Trails (§373.091(d)): “Electric bicycles, motorized bicycles, and Personal Transportation Devices shall not be operated on public un-paved paths or trails in the City.” Singletrack, equestrian, and hiking paths remain reserved exclusively for non-motorized recreation. Source: Ordinance No. 31-2026 (As Amended) §373.091(d) & §373.14(a)(3)
Safety Mandates · §373.04 & §301.1601

Youth Helmet Mandate with a 30-Day Purchase Dismissal

Ordinance No. 31-2026 introduces an expansive youth helmet mandate aimed at preventing traumatic brain injuries among teenagers and children navigating central Ohio roadways and sidewalks.

Under Section 373.04(c), no person under the age of 18 shall ride a bicycle, motorized bicycle, or Personal Transportation Device anywhere in the city without wearing a protective helmet. Helmets must carry a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sticker and have a properly adjusted chin strap (§301.1601). In addition, all riders of Class 3 e-bikes must wear a CPSC or ASTM certified helmet regardless of age (§373.14(b)(4)).

The 30-Day "Fix-It" Leniency Clause: Violations carry fines up to $50 for a first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. However, the legislation provides an educational alternative:

“In lieu of payment of a fine, a first-time offender may present proof of purchase, to the City Prosecutor, of a helmet within 30 days of the citation, upon which the citation shall be dismissed.” Source: Worthington Traffic Code §373.04(d)

This structure prioritizes equipping youth with safety gear over collecting municipal revenue, allowing families to redirect citation fees into certified safety equipment.

Operational Matrix · §373.03, §373.08, §373.15

Device Classification, Age Tiers & Equipment Mandates

To eliminate legal ambiguity, the ordinance establishes strict operational boundaries, age minimums, and equipment standards for all micromobility devices.

Device Category Minimum Age Sidewalk Speed Shared-Use Path Roadway Use
Human-Powered Bicycle / Skateboard None specified Reasonable Allowed Right edge
Class 1 & 2 E-Bikes (Assist to 20 mph) 14 Years Old Max 8 mph Max 15 mph Allowed
Class 3 E-Bikes (Assist to 28 mph) 16 Years Old Prohibited Banned* Allowed
Personal Transportation Devices (E-Scooters, Boards) 14 Years Old Max 8 mph Max 15 mph No Freeways
Motorized Bicycles / Mopeds (<50cc, max 20 mph) State License Prohibited Prohibited Max 20 mph
*Class 3 e-bikes permitted on paths only if adjacent to a highway or authorized by council.
Key Operational Mandates Across Chapters 301 & 373:
  • No passengers under 18: No minor shall operate a PTD carrying passengers (§373.15(b)).
  • Nighttime Equipment: Front white headlight visible from 500 ft (and 300 ft to side); rear red reflector visible 100–600 ft; rear red steady or flashing lamp visible 500 ft; adequate brakes (§373.08).
  • Roadway Positioning: Ride as near right edge as practicable; maximum two abreast in a single lane (§373.06).
  • Freeway Ban: PTDs are banned from freeways and highways; bicycles banned from freeways (§373.03(f)).
Source: Codified Ordinances of Worthington Traffic Code Updates
Worthington City Council members standing together in council chambers.
Members of Worthington City Council in council chambers. Credit: City of Worthington