(Last updated 9/17/24. Confirm changes, if in doubt.)
If you frequent social media sites that discuss traditional cycling in any context, you will note that nothing stirs up stronger opinions than the topic of E-bikes on bike trails. Class 1, and often Class 2, E-bikes are perfectly legal on most trails. A few may even allow Class 3 E-bikes, the fastest type, but that is rare.
I’ve synopsized some Ohio Laws for E-bikes and attempted to show how local trail regulations may differ. The Ohio regulations allow local entities to offer less or more strict rules on use. I’ve focused on the rules regarding bike use on trails. You can find these and all the other relevant Ohio regulations here: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.522
Electric Bikes are NOT considered “motor vehicles” under Ohio law. However, any gasoline-powered “bike” is considered a motorized vehicle and is generally prohibited from shared use paths. So, by default, mopeds (motorized bicycles) and minibikes are not permitted on such paths. https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_132/legislation/hb250/05_EN/pdf/
The above legislation also defines the various classes of E-bikes in Ohio, and these are listed below. Classifications in other states are not necessarily identical but many follow the 3-class system.
"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. (These bikes can be operated on a throttle-only mode, requiring no pedaling.) Class 2 E-bikes that have been modified to increase their speed are NOT considered E-bikes and may not be used on trails.
"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. You must be 16+ years of age and wear a helmet. (Again, E-Bikes modified to use throttle only and to operate above 20 mph in such a mode are technically NOT even classified as bicycles, and by definition are then excluded from any potential use on bike or shared use paths.)
Here are some other Ohio laws that may allow trail administrators to further restrict E-bike access, or opt out of certain restrictions on E-bike use.
The operation of a class 1 electric bicycle and a class 2 electric bicycle is permitted on a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or on a shared-use path, unless the county, township, municipal corporation, other local authority, or state agency as defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code with control over the path by resolution, ordinance, or rule prohibits the use of a class 1 electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on such a path. (In short, while the state normally permits the use of Class 1 & 2 E-bikes on bike or shared use trails, but trail administrators may prohibit their use.)
No person shall operate a class 3 electric bicycle on a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or a shared-use path unless that path is within or adjacent to a highway or the county, township, municipal corporation, or local authority, or state agency as defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code with control over the path by resolution, ordinance, or rule authorizes the use of a class 3 electric bicycle on such a path. (In short, the state normally prohibits the use of Class 3 E-bikes on most bike or shared use paths, but trail administrators may allow it. Rarely the case. Check the rules for that trail.)
No person shall operate a class 1 electric bicycle, a class 2 electric bicycle, or a class 3 electric bicycle on a path that is intended to be used primarily for mountain biking, hiking, equestrian use, or other similar uses, or any other single track or natural surface trail that has historically been reserved for nonmotorized use, unless the county, township, municipal corporation, other local authority, or state agency as defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code with control over the path by resolution, ordinance, or rule authorizes the use of a class 1 electric bicycle, a class 2 electric bicycle, or a class 3 electric bicycle on such a path. (In short, the state normally prohibits the use of all E-bikes on these types of unimproved trails, but trail administrators may allow it. Rarely the case. Check the rules for that trail.)
E-Bike Rules for Local Bike and Shared-Used Trails (as of 9/16/24 reading)
Kent State University (Portage Hike and Bike Trail – spur from downtown Kent through campus to stadium) “Follow state and local laws.” Presumably refers to ORC 4511.52, which implies Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed, and Class 3 bikes are prohibited. SPIN rental E-bikes are likely Class 1 based on their description.
City of Ravenna (Portage Hike and Bike Trail) Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed. Class 3 bikes are prohibited.
Summit Metro Parks – Summit County (Summit Bike and Hike Trails, including extensions of two Portage H&B Trails) Silent on this issue regarding shared use trails, at least on the website. However, ALL E-bikes are prohibited on mountain bike trails.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Towpath Trail) Class 1 and 2* E-bikes are allowed. However, “*using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.” This implies that Class 2 bikes are allowed, but may not be used on throttle-only mode. Class 3 bikes are prohibited. Electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric skates, or any other similar electric transportation device designed to carry a single passenger and propelled or assisted by an electric motor are prohibited on all park roads and trails. This is currently under review (2025). ALL E-bikes are prohibited on the East Rim mountain bike trails.
Ashtabula County Metroparks (Western Reserve Greenway, North Shore Trail) Refers to ORC 4511.52, which implies Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed. Class 3 bikes are prohibited.
Trumbull County Metroparks (Western Reserve Greenway) Nothing specified on website or trail guide. Likely defers to state law.
Mahoning County (Mill Creek Metroparks Bikeway and extensions north towards Niles and Warren) Refers to ORC 4511.52, which implies Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed. Class 3 bikes are prohibited.
Cleveland Metroparks (Cuyahoga County) Emerald Necklace, etc. Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed. Class 3 bikes are prohibited.
Stark Parks (Stark County) (Towpath Trail, Sippo Valley Trail, and a number of shorter trails) Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed. Class 3 bikes are prohibited.