Rep. Brinkman Announces Passage of Legislation Establishing Requirements for Electric Bicycles

COLUMBUS—State Representative Tom Brinkman (R-Mt. Lookout) today applauded the Ohio House’s passage of House Bill 250, legislation he sponsored that would create regulations for electric bicycles, which are growing in popularity across the state.

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have the potential to expand bike riding to more of the population and keep people riding later in their lives. House Bill 250 brings Ohio regulations in line with federal regulations on e-bikes, categorizing the bikes into three classes based on the electric motor and the e-bike’s top speed.

“This new technology in e-bikes will allow more Ohioans to use our wonderful trail network, longer and later in life,” said Rep. Brinkman.

The bill also requires manufacturers and distributors to affix a label to each e-bike designating its class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. This creates clarity for retailers, riders, and law enforcement. House Bill 250 also establishes regulations for the use of electric bicycles on bike paths, permitting class 1 and 2 e-bikes on bicycle-only and shared-use paths, and prohibiting class 3 e-bikes, unless otherwise specified by the local government authority.

House Bill 250 now awaits further consideration by the Ohio Senate.