Motorized Bicycles in Ohio

There are many benefits to be had by using a motorized bicycle as your primary (or secondary) method of transportation. With rising gas prices, environmental concerns and a suffering economy, it's no wonder more and more people are choosing them over other options.

However, it’s important to know what your bike is classified as by the BMV (Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles), so that you don't break the law.

Motorized Bicycles

The State of Ohio classifies electric bikes and motorized bicycles as mopeds. However, in order for a bike to be considered a moped in Ohio, it must meet the following criteria:

• It must have 2 or 3 wheels that are at least 19 inches in diameter.
• It must have pedals and a helper motor that can propel the vehicle.
• The helper motor cannot exceed 50 CC.
• The helper motor cannot produce more than 1 brake horsepower.
• The helper motor must be unable to propel the vehicle more than 20 mph on a flat surface.

If your bike exceeds the above requirements, then it is considered to be a motorcycle and you must abide by all of the standard motorcycle laws and regulations.

Moped Driving Laws

Although mopeds are not considered motorcycles, they still have their own regulations that must be followed while riding. In order to legally drive a moped in the State of Ohio, you must obey the following regulations:

• You must be at least 14 years old.
• You must have a valid driver’s license or motorized bicycle license.
• Your moped must have a rear view mirror.
• Your moped must display a rear license plate that is clearly visible.
• While riding, you must ride within 3 feet of the right side of the road whenever practical.
• You cannot carry any passengers while riding your moped.
• If you are under 18 years old, you must always wear a proper helmet (such as a motorcycle helmet) while riding.
• You cannot drive your moped faster than 20 mph (note that mopeds are also supposed to be unable to go more than 20 mph.)
• You cannot drive on freeways.

You must also follow all of the standard Ohio traffic laws in addition to the above regulations.

Moped Licensing and Registration

As mentioned above, you must have either a valid driver’s license or a motorized bicycle license in order to drive a moped on public roads. Note that a motorized bicycle license is not the same thing as a motorcycle license, and you are not required to have one if you have a valid driver’s license.

Although you do not need to get your moped titled, you do need to get it registered and obtain a valid license plate. The registration process is very much like registering a car; it must be renewed annually, and there is a minimum registration fee of $24.50.

Getting Your Motorized Bicycle License

In order to get a motorized bicycle license, you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at your local Driver License Exam Station.

Once passed, you will need to go to a deputy registrar office and get your motorized bicycle TIPIC (bring your receipt for the knowledge exam, and proof of your name, date of birth and SSN.)

After getting some riding practice, you will need to schedule and take a driving skills test. Bring your TIPIC to the exam station.  You will be tested at an off-street course, and you must bring your motorized bicycle, helmet and eye protection.

Once you pass your driving skills test, you can apply for your motorized bicycle license. You will need to bring your TIPIC, your receipt from the on-cycle driving skills test, and payment for the $21 licensing fee.

Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

In Ohio, e-bikes are classified into three classes based on their motor wattage and top assisted speed:

• Class 1: E-bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph and a motor of 750W or less. These bikes are allowed on bike trails and paths unless otherwise posted.
• Class 2: E-bikes with a motor that only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling, and ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. These bikes are also allowed on bike trails and paths unless otherwise posted.
• Class 3: E-bikes with a top assisted speed of 28 mph and a motor of 750W or less. These bikes are not allowed on bike trails and paths.

All e-bikes are required to have a visible, legible label indicating the class of the e-bike. Riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding an e-bike.

Scooters

In Ohio, motor scooters are classified as motorcycles, and must abide by the same requirements and regulations. As such, you must be at least 16 years old and have a motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

In order for a scooter to be considered roadworthy, it must meet the following requirements:

• It must have a seat or saddle.
• It must have a headlight, brake lights, turn signals, a horn and rear view mirrors.
• It must have 2 or 3 wheels.

Scooters must also be titled, registered and have valid license plates in order to be driven on public roads.

Don't Have a Motorcycle License?

We've got you covered. Click the button below to see a list of e-bikes that don't require any license or registration to ride on public roads in Ohio: