Motorbicycling law for Ohio...



Ohio Motorized Bicycle law (2nd try)
ELECTRIC ASSISTED POWER BICYCLE


ABSTRACT :
It appears that Ohio does not at this time have any State laws covering Electric Assisted Power Bicycle. The only problem may be with local laws . They may not allow an Electric Assisted Power Bicycle to be operated as a bicycle. Ohio moped laws do not qualify because the electric bicycle does not meet the qualifications of a motorized bicycle.

DISCUSSION :
The following is an itemized listing of E-Mails that were sent to Mr. Carl Lynch, Public Inquiries Officer, Deputy Registrar and Title Support Services , Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles , Columbus, Ohio. The E-Mails are listed in ascend order by date and time. (first/first)

First E-Mail to Lynch 1/23/09 8:35PM
What paper work do I need, to legally operate an electric assisted powered bicycle on public roads? Also what is the maximum power (watts) that I can have and what is the maximum speed that a electric assisted power bicycle can go. I am assuming that the same safety equipment that is required for a bicycle would apply.

Response from Lynch 1/26/09 10:25 AM
Unfortunately , there are no laws in the Ohio Revised Code regarding electric bicycles, only motorized bicycles or moped. Here is a link for information regarding mopeds. http:bmv.ohio,gov/misc/moped info.htm.
You may want to check with your local law enforcement to determine whether the vehicle can be operated in your area.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me directly.
Thank you

Second E-Mail to Lynch 1/26/09 8:27 PM
Thank you for your prompt response to my E-Mail of 1-23. After reviewing the Ohio Moped laws I question if the State of Ohio moped laws would apply to a electric assisted powered bicycle. Also do I need to register am electric bicycle with the state.

Thank you for all your helpful information
Bill

Response from Lynch 1/27/09 8:24 AM
The moped laws would not qualify because the electric bicycle does not meet the qualifications of a motorized bicycle. Again, I would check with your local law enforcement to determine whether the vehicle can be operated as bicycle.
Thank you.

New Electric Bicycle law in the USA (SR1156 &HR727 )
A new US law states that electric bicycles with fully function pedals, no more than 750 watts of motor power output, and a top speed of 20 mph on motor power only, are to be treated as “bicycles “, and are not subject to motorized vehicle laws. Electric bicycles that fall under this category are not required to be registered or licensed, and no drivers license is required to drive them. They may however to subject to local laws.

CONCLUSION :
From the above discussion it would appear that to be legally operated in the State of Ohio an electric assisted bicycle with less than 750 watts of motor power and a top speed of less than 20 MPH is classed the same as a bicycle, provided no local laws say differently . You can contact Mr. Carl Lynch at celynch@dps.state.oh.us for any other questions .

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