Micro-Mobility Devices
Motorized mobility devices and scooters are becoming an increasingly popular way to travel for recreation, commuting and short trips. These devices offer a convenient, energy-efficient transportation option that can help reduce traffic congestion and support more sustainable mobility choices. As their use grows, it is important for riders to understand applicable rules, operate responsibly and share roads, sidewalks and trails safely with pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Electric Bicycles
Where Permitted: Wherever a bicycle is permitted when the motor is not engaged.
Laws
- Must be 16 years of age or older to operate a Class 3 electric bicycle
- Operators and passengers must wear helmets
- Obey all traffic signs/signals; ride in same direction as traffic
- Yield to pedestrians
- Night time riding requires a white light in front and a steady or flashing light and reflector in the back
ORC 4511.522
Class 1 – A bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 – A bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that may provide assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
Class 3 – A bicycle that is equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph.
Electric Scooters
Standing Scooters
A low-speed micro-mobility device weighing less than 100 pounds that has handlebars, is propelled by an electric motor or human power, and has an attainable speed on a paved level surface of not more than 20 mph when propelled by the electric motor.
Where Permitted: Public streets, highways, sidewalks, and shared-use paths, and may be operated on any portions of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles
Laws
- Night time riding requires a headlight and a rear red reflector
- Yield to pedestrians
- Give an audible signal when passing pedestrians; cannot be operated over 20 mph.
ORC 4511.514; penalty is a minor misdemeanor.
Motor Scooter, Standing
"Motor-driven cycle or motor scooter" means any vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, with a seat for the driver and floor pad for the driver's feet, and is equipped with a motor with a piston displacement between fifty and one hundred cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces not more than five brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 20 mph on a level surface.
Where Permitted: streets and highways. Not permitted on sidewalks or multi-use paths.
Laws
- Cannot travel more than two abreast on the street
- Requires driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
- Operators under 18 years of age must wear a helmet
Powell 331.37; ORC 4501.01
Motorcycles
A motor vehicle, other than a tractor, having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including, but not limited to, motor vehicles known as "motor-driven cycle," "motor scooter," "autocycle," "cab-enclosed motorcycle," or "motorcycle" without regard to weight or brake horsepower.
Where Permitted: Streets and highways. Not permitted on sidewalks or multi-use paths.
Laws
- Cannot travel more than two abreast on the street
- Requires driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement
- Operators under 18 years of age must wear a helmet
ORC 4511.53
Gas-Powered Bicycles (Mopeds)
Motorized bicycle or moped means any vehicle having either two tandem wheels or one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear, that may be pedaled, and that is equipped with a helper motor of not more than 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement that produces not more than one brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not greater than 20 mph on a level surface. "Motorized bicycle" or "moped" does not include an electric bicycle.
Where Permitted: Must operate within three feet of the right edge of the roadway. Not permitted on sidewalks or multi-use paths.
Laws
- Must be fourteen or fifteen years of age and hold a probationary motorized bicycle license or must hold a driver’s license. If under 18, must wear a helmet and cannot have passengers.
ORC 4511.521
Golf Carts (Under-Speed Vehicles)
A three or four-wheel motor vehicle, including a golf cart or modified golf cart that can reach a maximum speed of less than 20 mph and has a gross vehicle weight of less than 3,000 pounds.
Where permitted: Roadways with speed limits of 35 mph or lower. Not permitted on sidewalks or multi-use paths.
Laws
- Must have valid driver’s license
Powell 377.01; ORC 4511.214
Contact
Ron Sallows
Chief of Police
614.885.5005 ext. 2
rsallows@cityofpowell.us