Electric Scooter & E-Bike Safety
Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Share the Road.
Electric bicycles, electric scooters and other personal mobility devices are becoming an increasingly popular way to get around our community. Whether you’re riding to work, visiting downtown, enjoying the Rails to Trails, or simply taking a ride around town, knowing what you’re riding, where you can ride and how to ride safely helps keep everyone in Barnesville safe.
Know Your Ride. Know the Rules. Ride Safely.
Obey Signs & Signals
Stop at stop signs and red lights, obey traffic signals, and follow posted traffic signs and restrictions.
Travel Properly
Travel in the appropriate direction and operate in a predictable manner.
Yield When Required
Give pedestrians and other road users the right-of-way when required, and always be prepared to stop.
Stay Alert
Control your speed, watch your surroundings, and be prepared for vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, and changing conditions.
KNOW BEFORE YOU RIDE
Not every electric vehicle is the same.
Ohio law establishes different classifications for electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices. Knowing which type of device you are operating can help you understand which rules apply.
Know Your Ride. Know the Rules. Ride Safely.
Ohio defines Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes as bicycles with fully operable pedals and motors under 750 watts, with assisted-speed limits of 20, 20 and 28 MPH respectively. A low-speed micromobility device is generally a device under 100 pounds with handlebars and an electric motor/human propulsion capable of no more than 20 MPH on a paved, level surface.
Electric Scooters Are Not Automatically E-Bikes
Some electric scooters may qualify as a low-speed micromobility device under Ohio law. Not every electric scooter meets that legal definition.
Ohio law establishes specific requirements for a low-speed micromobility device, including its design, speed capability, and method of operation. A device's marketing name does not determine its legal classification.
Where Can I Ride?
| Device | Public Roadways | Sidewalks | Shared-Use / Bike Paths | Natural-Surface / Other Trails |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 E-Bike Pedal-assist electric bicycle | ✓ ALLOWED* Follow traffic laws and posted restrictions. |
MOTOR MUST BE DISENGAGED Yield to pedestrians. |
✓ ALLOWED* Unless prohibited by the authority controlling the path. | ! CHECK LOCAL RULES Authorization may be required. |
| Class 2 E-Bike Throttle-assisted electric bicycle | ✓ ALLOWED* Follow traffic laws and posted restrictions. |
MOTOR MUST BE DISENGAGED Yield to pedestrians. |
✓ ALLOWED* Unless prohibited by the authority controlling the path. | ! CHECK LOCAL RULES Authorization may be required. |
| Class 3 E-Bike Higher-speed pedal-assist bicycle | ✓ ALLOWED* Follow traffic laws and posted restrictions. |
MOTOR MUST BE DISENGAGED Yield to pedestrians. |
! RESTRICTED / CONDITIONS APPLY See ORC §4511.522. | ! RESTRICTED / CONDITIONS APPLY Authorization may be required. |
| Qualifying Electric Scooter Low-speed micromobility device | ✓ ALLOWED* Local regulations and posted restrictions apply. | ✓ ALLOWED* Yield to pedestrians at all times. | ✓ ALLOWED* Local regulations and posted restrictions apply. | ! CHECK LOCAL RULES Do not assume access. |
⚠️ Unsafe Riding
Electric Devices Are Not Toys
Unsafe operation can include:
| ❌ Riding at an unsafe speed | ❌ Failing to yield |
| ❌ Failing to maintain control | ❌ Endangering pedestrians |
| ❌ Ignoring traffic signs or signals | ❌ Riding in prohibited areas |
| ❌ Riding distracted | ❌ Riding impaired |
| ❌ Performing dangerous maneuvers | ❌ Operating a device that doesn't qualify for the location |
BARNESVILLE SIDEWALK RULE
Village Ordinance §331.37
Driving Upon Sidewalks, Street Lawns or Curbs
Passing Pedestrians Safely
Slow down, give pedestrians time to react, and make sure you have enough room before passing.
🐢 Slow Down
Reduce your speed and make sure you have enough time and space to safely pass.
👀 Look Ahead
Check for pedestrians, riders, vehicles, obstacles, and oncoming traffic.
📢 Give an Audible Warning
Let the pedestrian know you are approaching before you pass.
⬅️ Pass on the Left
When safe to do so, pass on the pedestrian's left side and leave plenty of room.
🐢 Don't Pass Too Fast
Avoid startling the pedestrian or creating a dangerous situation.
🛑 Wait If Necessary
If there isn't enough room to safely pass, slow down and wait until it is safe.
🚲 E-Bike Safety
Know Your Class. Know Your Rules.
Class 1
Pedal-assist only. Motor assistance stops at 20 MPH.
Class 2
Motor assistance may operate without pedaling and stops at 20 MPH.
Class 3
Pedal-assist up to 28 MPH.
🛴 Electric Scooter Safety
Electric Scooters Are Not Toys
Electric scooters have small wheels, can accelerate quickly and may be more difficult to control over uneven pavement.
Before You Ride
Helmet Safety
Protect Your Head.
The Village of Barnesville strongly recommends that all riders wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride.
A Properly Fitted Helmet Should:
- Sit level on your head.
- Fit snugly without being uncomfortable.
- Be secured with the chin strap.
- Not move excessively when you shake your head.
- Be replaced after a significant impact.
Share the Road
Safety Is a Two-Way Street
🚲 Riders
Be predictable.- Follow traffic laws.
- Ride in the appropriate direction.
- Signal turns.
- Watch for vehicles.
- Watch for opening doors.
- Yield when required.
- Control your speed.
🚗 Drivers
Watch for riders.- Check before turning.
- Check intersections.
- Give riders space.
- Be patient when passing.
- Avoid distractions.
🚶 Pedestrians
Stay aware.- Watch for approaching riders.
- Give riders room.
- Keep pets controlled.
- Don't assume a rider can see you.
🔧 Before You Ride
Take a 5-Second Safety Check
| 🛑 BRAKES | 🛞 TIRES | 💡 LIGHTS |
|---|---|---|
| Do they work properly? | Properly inflated and undamaged? | Working and visible? |
| 🔋 BATTERY | 🔧 EQUIPMENT | 🧠 YOU |
| Any damage, swelling or unusual heat? | Handlebars, pedals and controls secure? | Alert, sober and ready to ride? |
🌙 Riding at Night
Be Seen.
Low visibility makes it harder for drivers, pedestrians and other riders to see you. Make sure your required lighting is working and give yourself additional time to see and react.
Use required lights.
Be visible from behind.
Consider reflective clothing.
Slow down when visibility is reduced.
Eyes Up. Phone Down.
Never text, browse, record video or otherwise use your phone while operating an e-bike or scooter.
Keep your:- Eyes on the road.
- Hands available to control your ride.
- Attention on your surroundings.
Never Ride Impaired
Alcohol and drugs can affect balance, judgment, reaction time, coordination and awareness.
⚡ E-Bike or E-Moto?
They may look similar — but the law can treat them very differently.
| QUESTION | 🚲 E-BIKE | ⚡ E-MOTO / ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE |
|---|---|---|
| Fully operable pedals? | Required | Not necessarily |
| Motor under 750 watts? | Required | Not necessarily |
| Meets Ohio e-bike definition? | ✔ Yes | May not |
| Class 1, 2 or 3 label? | ✔ Yes | No |
| Can exceed 28 MPH with motor assistance? | No | May |
| Motorcycle requirements? | Generally no | May apply |
👨👩👧 Parents & Guardians
Talk With Your Kids Before They Ride
Before allowing a child to operate an e-bike or electric scooter:
🔋 Battery & Charging Safety
Charge Smart.
Many e-bikes and scooters use lithium-ion batteries. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the equipment as intended.
🔥 See Smoke, Swelling or Unusual Heat?
If an e-bike or scooter battery is smoking, swelling, leaking, or becoming unusually hot, stop using the device and move away from it.
Do not attempt to handle or move a burning battery. Move to a safe location and CALL 911.
Know the Rules Before You Ride
Electric bicycles, bicycles and qualifying low-speed micromobility devices are subject to both Ohio law and applicable Village of Barnesville ordinances. The provisions below are provided as a convenient reference. Click any button to view the complete law.
Village Ordinances
Bicycles and Motorcycles
Contains Village provisions governing bicycles, motorcycles and electric bicycles.
§331.37 — Driving Upon Sidewalks, Street Lawns or Curbs
Contains an important Barnesville rule concerning the operation of bicycles and electric bicycles on sidewalks.
Ohio Revised Code
Electric Bicycles
Covers e-bike labels, federal equipment requirements, motor operation requirements, permitted path use and violations.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Low-Speed Micromobility Devices
Establishes operating rules for qualifying low-speed micromobility devices, including pedestrian right-of-way, audible warnings, nighttime equipment, age restrictions and the 20 MPH maximum speed.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Operation of Bicycles, Motorcycles & Snowmobiles
Includes requirements concerning seating, passengers and carrying children on bicycles and electric bicycles.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Operating Bicycles & E-Bikes on Roadways
Covers roadway position, obeying traffic rules, riding no more than two abreast and situations where riding farther from the edge of the roadway is reasonable or necessary for safety.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Bicycle Signal Devices & Equipment
Establishes required nighttime lighting, rear reflectors, optional audible signaling equipment and adequate brakes for bicycles and electric bicycles.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Driving on Sidewalks
Establishes the Ohio rule concerning bicycle and electric bicycle operation on sidewalks and allows local authorities to regulate operation within their jurisdictions.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Bicycles & E-Bikes — Citations
Explains the application of certain traffic laws to bicycles and electric bicycles and addresses citations and driver's license points.
VIEW OHIO LAW →Important: This webpage is provided for general informational and safety purposes and is not a substitute for the Ohio Revised Code or the Barnesville Codified Ordinances. Laws, ordinances and posted restrictions may change. Riders are responsible for knowing and following the laws and regulations applicable to their device and location.
Resources
Explore official laws, safety information, and additional resources to help you understand and safely operate electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other personal mobility devices.
Barnesville Codified Ordinances
Search the Village of Barnesville's complete Codified Ordinances, including the Traffic Code and Chapter 373.
VIEW BARNESVILLE CODE →Ohio Revised Code
Access the official Ohio Revised Code and review state laws relating to bicycles, electric bicycles, micromobility devices, and traffic safety.
VIEW OHIO REVISED CODE →Ohio Department of Transportation
Learn more about electric bicycles, bicycling in Ohio, and transportation resources from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
ODOT E-BIKE INFORMATION →Bicycle Helmet Safety
Learn how to choose, properly fit, and safely use a bicycle helmet.
LEARN ABOUT HELMET SAFETY →Barnesville E-Bike & Electric Scooter Safety Guide
Download the Village of Barnesville's printable safety guide for a convenient reference to the rules, riding guidance, and safety information presented on this page.
VIEW / DOWNLOAD SAFETY GUIDE →Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Share the Road.
Whether you're driving a vehicle, riding an e-bike or scooter, walking downtown, or enjoying Barnesville's streets, sidewalks and paths, we're all responsible for looking out for one another.