Electric bikes and electric scooters have soared in popularity – especially with preteens and teenagers – around Columbus over the last few years. While the state of Ohio has laws regarding the devices, cities around the Columbus region are taking it a step further by creating their own rules.
Columbus has had its own rules since 2018, when electric bikes and scooters first began popping up around the region. But as they have become more common, central Ohio suburbs have increasingly adopted their own rules for helmet use, speed limits and whether they can be ridden on sidewalks and shared use paths.
Multiple suburbs have adopted or are considering new rules this year.
The state's law outlines basic rules, which include that riders:
- Can operate them on "public streets, highways, sidewalks, and shared-use paths," and "any portions of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles" according to the Ohio Revised Code.
- Have to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
- Have to give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian.
- Have to be at least 16 years old.
- Can't ride over 20 miles per hour.
The state law,
which says e-bike motors can't be more powerful than 750 watts, also organizes e-bikes by three classes. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can go about 20 miles per hour with a mild pedal assist. Class 3 e-bikes, the fastest available, go up to 28 miles per hour when aided by light pedaling. The operator of a Class 3 e-bike has to be at least 16 years old and must wear a helmet.
Here are the rules various central Ohio cities have adopted.
Columbus
Columbus banned e-scooters from public sidewalks in 2018 after Bird and Lime scooters hit the city. Columbus later let permits lapse for Bird and Lime at the end of 2024, but now Spin and Veo offer rentable e-bikes and e-scooters in the capital city.
The city's 2018 law says mobility devices, like e-bikes and e-scooters, aren't allowed on any streets if the speed limit is over 35 mph, unless they are in a dedicated bike lane or shared-use path.
The law also says anyone under 18 must wear a helmet while operating a device or being a passenger.
The first offense for violating the law is a minor misdemeanor while a second offense in one year is a fourth-degree misdemeanor and a third offense in a single year is a third-degree misdemeanor.
Bexley
Bexley has the most detailed e-bike and e-scooter rules in the region. The east side suburb has age restrictions based on the class of e-bike. E-scooters and Class 1 e-bike operators must be at least 12 years old while Class 2 e-bike riders must be at least 14, the city law says.
For kids under 16 to operate a Class 2 e-bike, the city has to receive written permission from their parent or guardian, the child has to complete a training course and the e-bike has to be inspected by the city.
Operators and passengers of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes must wear a helmet.
While no one under 16 can operate a Class 3 e-bike, they may ride as a passenger on one that is designed to accommodate them.
E-bikes are only allowed on sidewalks along Main Street, Broad Street, South Drexel Avenue or Livingston Avenue. The e-bike can only travel a maximum of 10 mph and must go below 5 mph when pedestrians or other cyclists are nearby. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on bike paths and shared-use paths, but Class 3 are prohibited.
If anyone violates the rules, their device could be impounded for up to 30 days.
Delaware
In April, Delaware passed new rules regarding e-bikes that include:
- An e-bike's motor cannot be engaged while on a sidewalk.
- E-bikes must not exceed 10 mph while on shared-use paths.
- Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalk or shared paths.
- No one under 16 may operate a Class 3 e-bike; however they may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike that can fit passengers.
- Operators or passengers of Class 3 e-bikes must wear a helmet.
The first violation of the rules is minor misdemeanor. A second violation in a year rises to a fourth-degree misdemeanor and third violation in a year is a third-degree misdemeanor, according to the legislation.
Dublin
Earlier this year, Dublin updated its rules for e-scooters, bikes and other small devices. The key updates include that riders under 16 must wear a helmet on all devices, electric or manual, and parents who knowingly allow their children to break the rules are subject to the same penalties as the rider.
Dublin's rules allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on streets and shared-use paths, and only permit Class 3 e-bikes on streets. E-scooters, electric skateboards and hoverboards are allowed on streets with a speed limit of 25 mph or under, shared-use paths and sidewalks.
But the northwestern suburb banned mini motorcycles and dirt bikes from streets, sidewalks, shared use paths and in parks.
Grove City
Grove City allows e-scooters and all e-bike classes on its roads and shared bike paths. E-scooters are allowed on sidewalks and all three classes of e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks as well as long as the motor is off. E-scooters and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on multi-use paths but not Class 3 e-bikes, according to a city website.
Hilliard
Hilliard, according to its city website, already has a slew of rules in place regarding e-bikes and e-scooters, including:
- E-bikes of all types may be operated on streets and shared-use paths
- E-bikes may be ridden on sidewalks if the motor is not engaged.
- E-scooters are allowed on streets with a posted speed limit up to 25 mph, shared use paths, and sidewalks.
- Mini motorcycles are not permitted in parks, sidewalks, shared-use paths or streets.
- All e-bikes, scooters, and motos are prohibited in Hilliard parks, including Hilliard’s Station Park and First Responders Park in Downtown Hilliard. Riders must remain in the designated bike lanes when traveling through these areas and park their devices in the designated bike racks.
However, the city is considering changes in August to streamline and simplify definitions, responsibilities, and enforcement for e-bikes, e-scooters and other similar devices. The changes include:
- Requiring helmets for any minor operating any micromobility device, such as bikes, e-bikes, scooters, mopeds and other devices.
- Clarifying that parents/guardians can be held responsible if their minor children violate city e-bike and e-scooter laws.
- Granting authority for Hilliard Police to impound any device if the operator violates city laws, and requiring parents/guardians to claim impounded vehicles improperly operated by minors.
New Albany
New Albany adopted new laws in October 2025 that state e-bike and powered scooter riders must adhere to a 10-mph speed limit on shared-use paths in the city unless otherwise posted and must follow the same traffic laws as bicycles when on roads.
Some of the other rules include:
- E-bike and powered scooter motors cannot be engaged or used while on a sidewalk.
- Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet when riding e-bikes, powered scooters or bicycles.
- Lights and reflectors are required when riding before dawn or after dusk.
- Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on shared-use paths.
- Electric dirt bikes are not street legal and are not permitted on shared-use paths, sidewalks or city streets.
Powell
Powell allows e-bikes to be used wherever a bicycle is allowed when the motor is not engaged, the city's website states. It also reiterates the state laws and states that an e-bike must have a white light in front and a red light and reflector in the back if it's being ridden at night.
E-scooters are allowed on public streets, highways, sidewalks, shared-use paths, and bike lanes, the city's website says.
Upper Arlington
The city of Upper Arlington is considering creating registration and a database of e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized devices not registered with the state. If the rules are approved by Upper Arlington City Council, owners of e-bikes and e-scooters would be required to register with the Upper Arlington Police Department and display a sticker on the device. That sticker would be required to operate or park the device on public property in the city.
If passed, the ordinance would apply to all private e-bikes and e-scooters within Upper Arlington – nothing would be “grandfathered in.”
Failing to register a device could result in it being seized or immobilized, according to the draft rules. Repeat violations would cost $150 each time.
People with and without driver’s licenses, including children, would still be able to operate e-bikes and e-scooters. However, anyone without a valid driver’s license would need to wear a helmet and be registered as an authorized user.
People with and without driver’s licenses, including children, would still be able to operate e-bikes and e-scooters. However, anyone without a valid driver’s license would need to wear a helmet and be registered as an authorized user.
If approved sometime this fall, the rules would take effect in January 2027.
Council had lengthy discussions about the ordinance during its June 8 and June 15 council meetings, but then went on a summer break. Council is expected to discuss the legislation again Aug. 17 and Aug. 25, according to a video from the June 15 meeting.
Westerville
On July 7, Westerville City Council passed new e-bike and e-scooter regulations for the the northeastern suburb. Westerville's rules include that all classes of e-bikes are allowed on roadways and bike lanes, but only Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on shared-use paths and park trails and they can't exceed 15 mph. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on sidewalks with some restrictions, including a only traveling a maximum of 8 mph and the motor must be completely disengaged. However, e-bikes and e-scooters aren't allowed on the sidewalks in Uptown Westerville.
Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks, shared-use paths or park trails.
The law also includes that anyone under 18 operating or riding as a passenger must wear a helmet.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: E-bike boom prompts new rules across Columbus-area cities
