E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Personal Mobility Devices

In the U.S., E-Bikes are classified based on a 3-Class certification system. Bexley's law layers on top of Ohio's existing e-bike laws to regulate bike usage based upon the bike's Class.

Class 1 E-Bikes: No throttle, pedal assist only, max speed 20 MPH

• Class 1 E-Bikes are only able to be operated by users age 12 and older.
• For children ages 12 through 15, parental permission must be provided via a form provided by the City; the operator must complete e-bike training through the City (this provision may be waived by a parent or guardian); and the bicycle must have been inspected and furnished with a registration sticker by the City.
• Bexley law requires all operators of Class 1 E-Bikes to wear a helmet, regardless of age.

Class 2 E-Bikes: Throttle and pedal assist, max speed 20 MPH

• Class 2 E-Bikes are only able to be operated by users age 14 and older.
• For children ages 14 through 15, parental permission must be provided via a form provided by the City; the operator must complete e-bike training through the City or have obtained a Moped License through the State of Ohio; and the bicycle must have been inspected and furnished with a registration sticker by the City.
• Bexley law requires all operators of Class 2 E-Bikes to wear a helmet, regardless of age.

Class 3 E-Bikes: Throttle and pedal assist, max speed 28 MPH

• Per Ohio law, Class 3 E-Bikes are only able to be operated by users age 16 and older.
• Ohio law requires all operators of Class 3 E-Bikes to wear a helmet, regardless of age.

Bexley Code Section 574 regulates the use of "Motorized Personal Mobility Devices", which include e-scooters. Under Bexley law:

• E-Scooters may not be operated by any individual under the age of 12 on public property, including streets and other right of ways
• E-Scooters may not be operated on the sidewalk
• E-Scooter operators under age 18 must wear a helmet while operating the vehicle.

Ohio law is very specific about what vehicles may operate on the roadway and/or sidewalk. The following vehicle types are explicitly illegal on streets and sidewalks in Ohio:

• Dirtbikes, including e-dirtbikes. Any e-bike without operational pedals is not legal on streets or sidewalks.
• Any e-bike not properly and legally labeled as a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike.
• Toy vespa-style scooters

This list is not comprehensive, and is designed to illustrate some of the vehicle types that cannot be legally operated on streets or sidewalks in Bexley or Ohio in general.

The e-bike inspection and training processes launches in May, 2026. To register for an upcoming class, click here.

The focus of the Bexley administration and Police Department will be on education and public awareness around safe and legal operation of E-Bikes and Personal Mobility Devices. After an initial public information campaign in early to mid 2026, the Police Department will continue to educate and inform violators, with enforcement focused on instances of chronic or egregious violations, subject to officer discretion.

Enforcement could include temporary impoundment of vehicles, fines, and/or criminal penalties, with the potential for parental liability.