Ohio Electric Bike Laws

Three-class law · State parks: Class 1 on mountain bike trails; paths where bicycles allowed

House Bill 250 (2018), effective March 2019, adopted the three-class system (Ohio Rev. Code 4511.01 and 4511.522); e-bikes under 750 watts are regulated like bicycles with no license, registration or insurance. Class 3 riders must be 16 or older, and every Class 3 rider and passenger must wear a helmet. House Bill 948 (2026) on e-bike operation and education was introduced in May 2026 and has not passed.

E-bike classes
Three
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
16
E-bike helmet
No state rule
State parks
Class 1 on mountain bike trails; paths where bicycles allowed
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Ohio

Ohio rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bike, Class 1 and 2Class 1, 2; under 750 WNo state ruleNoNoNoNo state rulePedal only, unless city bansPaths open to bicycles, unless banned
E-bike, Class 3Class 3; under 750 W16NoNoNoYes, all ridersPedal only, unless city bansPaths beside roads, or where authorized
Stand-up e-scooterLow-speed micromobility device: 20 mph maxNone (16 to rent)NoNoNoNo state ruleYes, unless city bansLocal rules
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motorized bicycle: 20 mph, 1 bhp, 50 cc max14YesYesNot confirmedUnder 18NoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike, Class 1 and 2. Roads, bike lanes and paths
  • E-bike, Class 3. Speedometer required; under 16 as passenger only
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Yield to pedestrians; lamp and reflector at night
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). Roads; probationary license at 14-15; no passengers

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Permanent label showing class, top assisted speed and motor wattage; motor cutoff when pedaling stops (Class 1 and 3) or brakes are applied (Class 2); speedometer on Class 3; must meet federal bicycle standards (16 CFR 1512).

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Local authorities and state agencies may ban Class 1 and 2 e-bikes from paths they control by ordinance or rule, may open paths to Class 3, and must authorize any e-bike use on natural-surface trails. Cities may also restrict bicycles and e-bikes on sidewalks.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Ohio

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources allows Class 1 e-bikes on state park natural-surface mountain bike trails since December 1, 2024 (Ohio Adm. Code 1501:46-13-05); Class 2 and 3 stay off dirt trails. On paved paths, the state default lets Class 1 and 2 ride where bicycles are allowed.

Record

Sources

E-bike, Class 1 and 2
Ohio Rev. Code 4511.01; 4511.522; HB 250 (2018)
E-bike, Class 3
Ohio Rev. Code 4511.522; HB 250 (2018)
Stand-up e-scooter
Ohio Rev. Code 4511.01; 4511.513-4511.514; HB 295 (2020)
Seated e-scooter (moped)
Ohio Rev. Code 4501.01; 4511.521; BMV 4865
Status
Partly verified
Open items
ODNR rule 1501:46-13-05 not read directly; e-bike sidewalk rule in 4511.711 from secondary source; moped insurance requirement not confirmed
Last verified
Q4 2026