What are the Ohio E-Bike laws? We often get asked, “What are the electric bike laws in Ohio?”. Here are some of the main Ohio Electric Bike laws.
Ohio E-Bike Manufacture Laws
The manufacturer shall manufacture all class 1 electric bicycles and class 3 electric bicycles so that when the rider ceases pedaling the electric motor ceases to provide assistance. The manufacturer shall manufacture all class 2 electric bicycles so that when the rider applies the brakes or releases or activates a switch or similar mechanism the electric motor ceases to provide assistance. Our E-Bikes have sensors on the brakes that cause the motor to cease to assist when the brakes are applied.
All class 3 electric bicycles shall be equipped with a speedometer. It should display the speed of the electric bicycle in miles per hour. All of our class 3 electric bikes come with a speedometer that displays the speed in mph.
Electric bicycles shall be equipped with an adequate brake when used on a street or highway.
Operating an E-Bike
You can ride class 1 and class 2 electric bikes on paths designated for bikes, unless local authorities ban them. Class 3 electric bikes are only allowed on such paths if authorized by local rules. If you have a class 3 electric bike and want to convert it to class 2, contact us for assistance.
No person under sixteen years of age shall operate a class 3 electric bicycle; however, a person under sixteen years of age may ride as a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to accommodate passengers.
No person shall operate or be a passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle unless the person is wearing a protective helmet that meets the standards established by the consumer product safety commission or the American society for testing and materials. With the purchase of a new electric bike, we will give a free helmet.
No person operating an electric bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. No electric bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
On roadways, electric bike riders must not exceed two abreast, except on designated paths for bikes and motorcycles.
Riding from Sunset to Sunrise
If riding from sunset to sunrise or due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions an e-bike should have the following…
- a red reflector on the rear
- a lamp mounted on the front of the bicycle or the operator that shall emit a white light
- a lamp emitting either flashing or steady red light in addition to the red reflector. The light should be visible from a distance of five hundred feet.
Ohio E-Bike Laws on the Roadway
Every person operating an electric bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
Persons riding electric bicycles upon a roadway shall ride not more than two abreast in a single lane, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, electric bicycles, or motorcycles.
Electric bicycle operators aren’t obliged to ride at the road edge if it’s unsafe or impractical. Riding away from the road’s edge may be needed to avoid obstacles, vehicles, hazards, or when unsafe. This applies if the lane isn’t wide enough for the e-bike and an overtaking vehicle to share safely.
Red lamps and red reflectors shall not be used on the front of the electric bike. White lamps and white reflectors shall not be used on the rear of the electric bicycle. Electric bicycles cannot have sirens or whistles, nor should anyone use them on electric bicycles or regular bikes.
No person riding an electric bike shall attach it or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway.
For more Ohio E-Bike Laws visit Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules.
* Directly from Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules