Why It Matters
Rising injury rates involving electric bikes and scooters have prompted Ohio lawmakers to propose stricter safety regulations, including age restrictions and mandatory registration for personal devices.
What Happened
Ohio Democratic legislators introduced new legislation aimed at regulating the operation of electric bikes and e-scooters. State Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) filed Senate Bill 477, while State Rep. Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) plans to introduce a companion measure in the House within weeks.
The proposed bills would ban children 13 and younger from operating e-bikes and scooters. Additionally, riders under 18 would be prohibited from using high-powered Class 3 e-bikes. The legislation mandates helmet use for all e-bike and e-scooter operators.
Current Ohio law requires renters of low-speed micromobility devices to be at least 16 years old. Operators of Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour with light pedaling, must also be at least 16 and wear helmets. However, existing statutes impose no age limits for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which travel up to 20 miles per hour with mild pedal assist.
Sen. DeMora cited a range of severe injuries associated with these devices, including brain injuries, fractures, road rash, lung contusions, and damage to major internal organs. Rep. Synenberg emphasized the need to balance safety for motorists, pedestrians, local governments, law enforcement, and businesses.
“We are not trying to prevent Ohioans from using e-bikes and e-scooters,” Rep. Synenberg said. “These devices are not toys.”
By the Numbers
13 — Maximum age for operating e-bikes and scooters under proposed bills.
18 — Minimum age to use high-powered Class 3 e-bikes under proposed legislation.
16 — Current minimum age to rent low-speed micromobility devices and operate Class 3 e-bikes.
20 mph — Maximum speed of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes with mild pedal assist.
28 mph — Maximum speed of Class 3 e-bikes with light pedaling.
Nearly 40% — Share of pediatric e-bike and scooter injuries nationwide attributed to ages 11-14.
Mid-July — Time when Akron Children’s Hospital surpassed its total 2025 injury count for these devices.
58 — Age of man who died in Columbus after being hit by a van while riding an e-bike.
10 mph — Proposed speed limit on shared-use paths.
5 mph — Proposed speed limit on sidewalks.
$25 — Proposed registration fee for personal e-bikes and scooters.
30 days — Duration vehicles may be impounded for failure to register.
Zoom Out
The push for regulation comes as medical facilities report surging injury numbers. Akron Children’s Hospital exceeded its total 2025 e-bike and e-scooter injury count by mid-July. Nationwide, children aged 11 to 14 account for nearly 40% of pediatric injuries related to these devices.
Fatalities have also occurred in Ohio. A 58-year-old man died in Columbus after a collision with a van while riding an e-bike. Fatal crashes involving these vehicles have been reported in rural areas including Brown County and Athens County.
The proposed legislation would impose speed limits on shared-use paths (10 mph) and sidewalks (5 mph). It also introduces a registration requirement for personal e-bikes and scooters, carrying a $25 fee. Failure to register would be classified as a minor misdemeanor, and unregistered vehicles could be impounded for 30 days.
What’s Next
Ohio lawmakers are currently on break until after the November election. Any bills not passed before the General Assembly concludes in December must be reintroduced in the next legislative session.