E-bikes on trails
What is an e-bike and the laws that govern
A friend and I recently discussed e-bikes, specifically e-bikes on trails. He posed a question that I have been asked several times. When is an e-bike, not an e-bike? Asked another way: What is an e-bike?
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular.
Let’s start by looking at the popularity and growth of the e-bike market. TheRoundup.org, a website dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability, has assembled 51 Official Eike Statistics & Facts with citations to the resources and studies to support the statistics. Read this article and follow the article’s links to sources if you want to dig deeper.
The definition of an e-bike in Ohio laws
The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) defines e-bikes in Section 4511.01 | Traffic laws - operation of motor vehicles definitions. The Ohio legislature has passed a revised Section 4511.01 that will become effective on October 3, 2023. I am sharing the definitions found in this soon-to-be effective version of the Ohio Revised Code.
"Electric bicycle" means a "class 1 electric bicycle," a "class 2 electric bicycle," or a "class 3 electric bicycle" as defined in this section.
"Class 1 electric bicycle" means a bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour.
"Class 2 electric bicycle" means a bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that may provide assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour.
"Class 3 electric bicycle" means a bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour.
Ohio’s laws that apply to e-bikes and e-cyclsits
The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) defines laws that e-bikes and e-bike cyclists are governed by in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.522 | Electric bicycles; labels; compliance with federal regulations; permitted use; violations. These laws are currently in effect and will not change on October 3, 2023.
I have taken the liberty to share some points of these laws in an easy-to-read abbreviated form below. I urge you to read the full text to fully understand all the laws and the consequences of not following these laws in full legal verbiage.
E-bike manufacturers and distributors must label an e-bike as a class 1, class 2, or class 3 e-bike with the top assisted speed and the motor wattage in a prominent location.
No person shall modify an e-bike to change the top-assisted speed unless the person also modifies the above label to reflect the modification.
E-bikes must comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Class 1 and class 3 e-bikes must be manufactured with the motor ceasing to assist when the rider ceases pedaling.
Class 2 e-bikes must be manufactured so the electric motor ceases to assist when the rider applies the brakes or releases or activates a switch or similar mechanism.
Class 3 e-bikes must be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed in miles per hour.
Class 1 and class 2 e-bikes are permitted on shared-use paths unless the local authority prohibits the use of these e-bikes on the path.
Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on shared-use paths unless the local authority permits the use of class 3 e-bikes on the path.
E-bikes are not permitted on a path intended for mountain biking, hiking, equestrian use, or other uses reserved for nonmotorized use unless the local authority permits the use of e-bikes on the path.
No person under sixteen years of age shall operate a class 3 electric bicycle.
Class 3 e-bike cyclists must wear a helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
A person operating on an e-bike in a manner that is prohibited by these laws is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. IMPORTANT: Read the full ORC text for a detailed description of these violations and consequences.
E-bike usage is exponentially growing as illustrated at the beginning of this post. This growth has led to many e-bikes on trails. This new breed of bike and cyclist has often led to conflict on trails. At the same time, it has opened outdoor recreation to a larger number of people and enabled an alternative mode of transportation for many.
Harmony on the trail depends on e-bike cyclists following the laws that govern the operation of an e-bike. This comes down to common courtesy on the trail. I always remind a person who is in conflict with another trail user that they are on a shared-use path which means we all must share the space and respect others.
Other reads on this topic
A good summary of bicycle, pedestrian, and micro-mobility laws in Ohio
Safe Trails: It's Electric! By Friends of the Little Miami State Park
Be e-safe on trails!
Tom on the Trails
Very interesting as I am in the verge of buying an eBike.