Riders on Dublin's 150-plus miles of shared-use paths face new rules after City Council updated the city code to regulate e-bikes, scooters, and other motorized devices.

The biggest change: Class 3 e-bikes, which assist riders up to 28 mph, are now banned from sidewalks and shared-use paths. They're still permitted on streets. Class 1 (pedal-assist up to 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle-equipped up to 20 mph) e-bikes remain legal on both streets and paths, according to a Columbus Dispatch report on area e-bike regulations.

Mini motorcycles and dirt bikes are now prohibited everywhere in Dublin: streets, sidewalks, paths, and parks.

E-scooters, electric skateboards, and hoverboards are allowed on shared-use paths, sidewalks, and streets with speed limits of 25 mph or under.

Helmets and penalties

All riders under 16 must now wear a helmet on any device, electric or manual. Anyone riding a Class 3 e-bike must also helmet up, regardless of age, consistent with Ohio state law.

Parents or guardians who knowingly allow their children to violate the rules face the same penalties as the rider. A first offense is a minor misdemeanor. A second violation within a year rises to a fourth-degree misdemeanor, and a third within a year is a third-degree misdemeanor.

Education first, enforcement second

City Manager Megan O'Callaghan announced the changes in her August/September Dublin Life message, published Monday, July 27, writing that the rules are meant to support mobility rather than restrict it.

Deputy Chief of Police Nick Tabernik said in a July 14 city news release that the department's approach starts with outreach. "This initiative is centered around education," Tabernik said. "Whether you live, work or visit Dublin, we want everyone to feel confident sharing our streets, sidewalks and shared use paths."

Dublin Police launched two summer programs to back up the rules: "Cool Treats with Dublin Police," where officers hand out freeze pops at parks, and "Cool Choices. Cool Rewards.," where riders caught wearing helmets or following path etiquette may receive a coupon for a free scoop at Johnson's Real Ice Cream on Bridge Street. Officers interacted with more than 150 kids and families at each of the first two Cool Treats events, according to the city's news release.

Path upgrades coming

The city is also installing new directional and etiquette signs along the shared-use path system in phases, along with pavement striping and mirrors at curves and spots with limited visibility. Basic path etiquette rules now codified: keep right except when passing, maintain a safe speed, and give an audible signal before overtaking another user.

Dublin joins Westerville and Delaware among Columbus-area suburbs that have already updated micromobility rules in 2026, with Hilliard considering similar changes. Director of Transportation and Mobility Jeannie Willis has been explaining the class distinctions and where each device can legally ride, including in a recent city podcast episode.

Residents can find the full rules at DublinOhioUSA.gov/motorized-mobility-devices-in-dublin.