ORDINANCE NO. 2026-04
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF ELECTRIC SCOOTERS AND ELECTRIC BICYCLES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF TUSCARAWAS
WHEREAS, the Village of Tuscarawas recognizes the need to protect the safety and welfare of its residents by passing an ordinance regulating the use of electric scooters and electric bicycles within the Village; and
WHEREAS, the Village Council agrees that the interest of the community will be best served by passing said ordinance; and
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Village of Tuscarawas, as follows;
SECTION 1.
This Ordinance applies whenever an Electric Scooter is operated on any street, sidewalk, or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
SECTION 2.
"Electric Scooter" is defined as a device weighing less than one hundred fifty (150) pounds that has handlebars, is propelled by an electric motor or human power, and has an attainable speed on a paved level surface exceeding 10 mph. An electric scooter which is operated on streets or sidewalks within the Village of Tuscarawas shall have:
1) Handlebars;
2) Two wheels, one in front and one in back;
3) An electric motor (solely powered by the electric motor and/or human power); and
4) If operated at night:
a) A reflector light in the back
b) A lamp pointed forward in the front.
"Electric Bicycle" is defined as a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour.
SECTION 3.
Operators of Electric Scooters must adhere to the following restrictions:
1) Electric Scooters cannot be operated on streets or highways with speed limits higher than 25 mph.
2) Electric Scooters cannot exceed 20 mph.
3) Electric Scooter riders must wear a helmet unless they are at least 18 years old.
4) Electric Scooter riders must stand on the standing board while riding.
5) Not more than one rider per Electric Scooter is permitted.
6) Riders shall not carry items that require both hands, a rider must keep at least one hand on the steering handlebars at all times.
7) Riders cannot operate an Electric Scooter without due regard for safety, exercising reasonable and ordinary control over the device.
8) Riders cannot weave or zigzag while operating an Electric Scooter.
9) Riders must yield to and give audible signals to pedestrians.
10) No person shall operate an Electric Scooter upon a sidewalk.
11) No person shall operate an Electric Scooter on Park property within the Village.
SECTION 4.
No person shall operate an Electric Bicycle on Park property within the village apart from any public or private street inside of, or adjacent to the park. Electric Bicycles are prohibited from grass, turf, playgrounds, walking paths, and any portion of Park property which is not a street or driving surface designed for motor vehicles to travel upon.
SECTION 5.
Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, whoever violates this Ordinance is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
SECTION 6.
Any operator who violates this Ordinance may be issued a ticket, citation, or summons by a law enforcement officer for the violation in the same manner as the operator of a motor vehicle would be cited for the same violation.
SECTION 7.
This Ordinance shall go into full force and effect on the date of its passage.
Passed: 7/9/2026
APPROVED: Dana Moore, MAYOR
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Treasur R. Luikart, SOLICITOR
ATTESTED: Kristy Sullivan, FISCAL OFFICER
