Electric bicycles – commonly known as e-bikes – have become one of the fastest growing forms of transportation and recreational activity in the United States. They blend the familiar feel of a traditional bicycle with the added boost of electric power, making it easier for riders of all ages and abilities to travel farther and commute efficiently. As their popularity grows, so does the importance of understanding what an e-bike is, how they operate and the safety expectations that come with them.
E-bikes are not dirt/offroad bikes, motorcycles or mopeds. However, branding and marketing can often blur these lines and make it difficult for community members to understand the difference. Manufacturers often use terms for dirt bikes/motorcycles such as electric-trail bike, hybrid e-moto, adventure e-bike whether they are gas powered or electric. Contrary to e-bikes, vehicles such as dirt/offroad bikes, motorcycles or mopeds are not permitted on roadways, sidewalks or shared use paths. These devices are attractive to kids/teens, however parents and guardians should be aware that use of these devices are limited to private property and designated offroad parks or trails that explicitly allow these motorized vehicles.
The City of Mason Police Department has prepared the following to help community members understand differences between e-bikes and dirt/offroad motorcycles.
| E-Bikes | Dirt/Offroad Motorcycles | |
| Description | Description | |
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A traditional looking bicycle with pedals that is equipped with an electric motor and battery that provides assistance to the rider, making pedaling easier, faster and less strenuous. E-bikes are limited in speed up to 28 mph or less for safety reasons. |
A motorized vehicle designed for rugged terrain and powered entirely by a throttle-controlled electric motor or gas powered engine. Unlike e-bikes, dirt/off road motorcycles do not require pedaling and are built for higher speeds, stronger acceleration and uneven surfaces like trails, dirt tracks or wooded areas. |
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| License Requirements | License Requirements | |
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E-Bikes do not require a license to operate. |
No drivers’ license is required if operating on private property. However, dirt/offroad motorcycles do require a drivers’ license with motorcycle endorsement if owner/operator would like to make the vehicle street legal. This requires the vehicle to be outfitted with headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, horn, complete and pass inspection by the State Highway Patrol and registered at the BMV with license plate and insurance. |
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| E-Bikes | Dirt/Offroad Motorcycles | |
| Defining Characteristics | Defining Characteristics | |
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E-bike Classification Explained
Most states including Ohio recognize three classes of e-bikes. These classifications help determine where each type of e-bike may be ridden. A driver’s license isn’t required for any classification of e-bikes, however Class 3 e-bikes may only be operated by individuals 16 or older and require a helmet.
| Class 1 E-Bike | Class 2 E-Bike | Class 3 E-Bike |
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What to look for when purchasing an E-Bike:
E-bikes are required to have a manufacturer placed label that displays:
- The class of the electric bicycle.
- The top assisted speed of the electric bicycle.
- The total electric motor wattage of the electric bicycle
Mason Encourages E-Bike Safety Practices:
Parents and teens are encouraged to please check all State and local laws prior to the operations of any device. Local laws may vary by jurisdiction.
Because e-bikes can reach higher speeds and weigh more than traditional bicycles, safety practices are essential. Mason community members are encouraged to follow the below safety guidelines when operating an e-bike:
- Wear a Helmet – a property fitted helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injury. Helmets are strongly encouraged for riders of any device and any age. E-bikes helmets are required for anyone under the age of 18 and for adults operating a Class 3 device. Dirt/offroad motorcycles do not have a helmet requirement when operating offroad.
- Maintain Speed Awareness – riders should match speed with their environment. Slow down in parks, shared use paths, and areas with children or seniors and approach intersections with caution.
- Be Vigilant about Visibility – riders should use front and rear lights, wear bright or reflective clothing, always use turn signals and ride in a predictable, courteous manner.
- Be Courteous about Bike Etiquette – always pass on the left, give audible signals (“on your left”), yield to pedestrians and walk bikes through crosswalks.
- Travel Crosswalks Safely – When crossing a crosswalk, riders must walk their electric/traditional bicycles across the crosswalk to be protected by pedestrian laws/ordinances. If riding an e-bike in a crosswalk and involved in an accident, the rider may be cited.
- Charging Safety – use only manufacturer approved chargers, avoid charging near flammable materials, stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged or overheating and store batteries indoors, away from extreme temperatures.
The rise of e-bike technology isn’t just a trend and the technology is evolving rapidly. This technology is a meaningful shift in how communities move, connect and plan for the future. By supporting the safe and responsible use of e-bikes we gain the advantages of diversified transportation, public health, economic vitality and environmental stewardship. When paired with education and clear rules, e-bikes can make streets safer as e-bikes provide advantages such as modest speed travel compared to cars, riders are more visible than pedestrians and distribution of traffic across multiple modes.
For more in-depth information regarding e-bikes, off-road motorcycles, their differences, and laws/requirements regarding their operation, please contact the City of Mason Police Department at 513.2290.8560 or by email at [email protected].