Beachwood, Ohio

Ohio legislators introduced companion bills in the state Senate and House to establish statewide rules for e-bikes and e-scooters as injuries climb. Sen. Bill DeMora and Rep. Eric Synenberg, both Democrats, are backing the measures, which would require helmets for all riders, bar children under 14 from operating the devices, and restrict companion riders under 12 unless the primary rider is over 21. Shared-use paths would carry a 10 mph limit and sidewalks 5 mph, with existing reckless-operation penalties applying.

Faster Class 3 e-bikes, capable of 28 mph with pedal assist, would need state registration, a displayed sticker, a $25 fee, and a valid driver's license or learner's permit for the operator. Lawmakers cited requests from mayors and city managers for clearer rules, along with hospital data showing e-bike and scooter injuries already surpassing all of 2025 by mid-July, including fractures and internal injuries. A March study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found a 300% rise in youth e-bike injuries, and a separate study found e-bike crashes more likely to cause severe harm. Lawmakers also plan to incorporate a related bill from Reps. Andrea White and Kevin Miller focused on education. The bills aren't expected to get a hearing until lawmakers reconvene in late November.

Beachwood, Ohio Mayor Justin Berns has put on hold plans to redevelop the former Fairmount Temple property, a 17-acre site the city bought for $8 million in 2024. After extensive community input favoring senior-focused housing, the city had worked since July 2025 with a development team (Orlean Company, Payne & Payne Builders, and Heritage Development Company) on plans for roughly 80 detached cluster homes designed for residents to age in place. Berns said negotiations failed to produce a financing structure workable for both the city and developers under current economic conditions, so the city will not proceed with that team.

Berns emphasized the pause does not mean abandoning the housing vision or the property. The city will seek council approval for a limited blight designation covering the deteriorating temple building and surrounding area to allow demolition, separate from any tax abatement decision, which has not been proposed for a future developer. Officials say demolition will improve safety and property value while the city monitors financing conditions and evaluates future development options.