COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are preparing proposals to set statewide safety standards for electric bicycles and scooters, including e-bike registration, helmet use and age limits for riders and renters. Rep. Eric Synenberg, a Beachwood Democrat, and Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat, said they plan to introduce legislation in the House and Senate. They hope some provisions can be adopted over the winter, ahead of heavier e-bike use in spring. The proposed requirements would apply to personal e-bikes statewide. The lawmakers also want age limits governing who can rent, operate or ride an e-bike. Details such as the minimum ages and how registration would work have not yet been specified. Synenberg said current law allows children to ride devices capable of reaching 28 mph without driving experience, driver education or a safety course. He argued the state should ensure riders understand the risks. Their push follows a March study from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons that reported a 300% increase in youth injuries involving e-bikes. A separate study published in July in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives found e-bikes were involved in fewer crashes than conventional bicycles, but e-bike crashes were more likely to cause severe injuries or hospitalization. The lawmakers say statewide standards could replace a patchwork of local rules. West Jefferson’s new e-bike ordinance took effect this week. Police Officer Shaun Soward said officers there have increasingly encountered children riding without helmets or failing to yield to traffic. With no specific statewide rules to rely on, the village had to develop its own approach, he said. Synenberg said local officials would prefer consistent state standards rather than having each community establish separate requirements. DeMora compared the proposal to state rules for motorcycles and mopeds, which are not left entirely to individual municipalities. A separate measure sponsored by Republican Reps. Andrea White of Kettering and Kevin Miller of Newark would direct the state transportation and public safety departments to recommend responses to gaps in existing law and require more education for e-bike owners. Miller said a lack of awareness about the rules for these devices is part of the problem. He said a statewide safety baseline could coexist with local authority to adopt additional measures under home rule. The proposals would address safety while decisions about mobility remain with state lawmakers and local governments. Whether they advance, and what final registration, age and helmet requirements might be, will depend on the legislation’s details and the General Assembly’s action.