04/17/2026
🚴⚡ Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes): Know the Rules. Ride Safe. ⚡🚴
The Newark Police Division would like to share important information regarding electric bicycles (E-bikes) so everyone in our community understands the laws, rides responsibly, and stays safe. Whether you ride for transportation or recreation—we’re all sharing the same roadways and pathways.
We are all on the same journey. Share the road. Enjoy the ride.
Types of E-Bikes in Ohio
🔹 Class 1 E-Bike
Fully operable pedals with an electric motor under 750 watts. There is no throttle and the motor assists only while pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
🔹 Class 2 E-Bike
Fully operable pedals with an electric motor under 750 watts. There is a throttle and the motor may assist without pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph.
🔹 Class 3 E-Bike
Fully operable pedals with an electric motor under 750 watts. May or may not have a throttle and the motor assists only while pedaling and stops assisting at 28 mph.
What Is NOT an E-Bike?
E-bikes are different from mopeds, motorized bicycles, or electric motorcycles. Sometimes called a Class 4 E-Bike; these are treated as a motor vehicle or moped and must obey all traffic laws and licensing requirements.
🔹 Moped and Motorized Bicycle
Mopeds (motorized bicycles) must be registered, titled, and insured. Operators must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license or motorcycle endorsement. Mopeds must have pedals, engines must be less than 50cc, and have a maximum speed of 20 mph. Helmets are required for riders under 18, and they cannot be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths.
🔹 E-Motorcycle
Electric motorcycles that have motors exceeding 750W or reach top speeds over 20 mph must be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), require a valid motorcycle license/endorsement and insurance. They must adhere to traditional motorcycle traffic and helmet laws and cannot be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths.
🔹 Low-speed micromobility device
These include items such as electric scooters, hoverboards, electric skateboards and electric unicycles:
• Weigh less than 100 lbs
• Have handlebars
• Are powered by electric motor or human power
• Typically do not exceed 20 mph
Where Can You Ride?
✅ E-bikes and micromobility devices may be used on public roadways, except:
• Limited access highways
• Interstates
✅ Bicycles and E-bikes may be ridden on sidewalks if the motor is not engaged (unless restricted by local ordinance)
✅ Class 1 & Class 2 E-bikes are generally permitted on bike lanes and shared-use paths (unless restricted by local ordinance)
⚠️ Class 3 E-bikes are generally not permitted on shared-use paths that are not adjacent to a roadway, such as a bike lane
⚠️ E-bikes should not be operated on trails intended primarily for:
• Hiking
• Equestrian use
• Mountain biking
• Natural surface trails
Please check Newark Codified Ordinance 475 for specific city restrictions.
Safety Tips
E-bikes can travel faster, carry more weight, and go farther than traditional bicycles. Riders should remember:
✔️ E-bikes are often heavier than standard bicycles
✔️ Heavier bikes require longer stopping distances
✔️ Practice starting, stopping, turning, and braking before riding in traffic
✔️ Stay alert and obey all traffic laws
✔️ Be courteous to pedestrians and other riders
✔️ Use lights and reflective gear when riding at night
Report Concerns
If you have concerns regarding unsafe rider behavior involving E-bikes or micromobility devices, please contact the Newark Police Department.
🚓 Ride responsibly. Stay safe. Respect others.
