City of Westerville, OH
Home Police MenuE-Bike and PTD Safety
Know the rules. Protect yourself. Whether you're considering a purchase or already riding, understanding Westerville's safety regulations can prevent serious injury.
Parents: Learn more before you buy.
2026 Update:Ordinance No. 2026-12
Over the summer, the City of Westerville passed Ordinance No. 2026-12, offering new guidelines for managing electric bicycles (e-bikes) and Personal Transportation Devices (PTDs).
What is a PTD?
A PTD is defined as a device designed for personal transportation, powered by human, electric, or hybrid power that has a maximum design speed of 30 mph, and is not otherwise defined as a bicycle, motorcycle, or motor vehicle.
These include:
Powered scooters, motorized skateboards, electric personal assistive mobility devices (Segways) and any low-speed devices weighing under 100 lbs with a top speed of 20 mph
Important Updates
- Helmets are required for people under 18.
Anyone under 18 operating or riding as a passenger on an eBike or PTD must wear a properly fitted safety helmet. - Police can cite riders for traffic law violations, and can pull under-18 riders over for solely not wearing a helmet.
- Parents are liable and can be cited if they knowingly permit a minor in their care to ride without a helmet.
- Speed limits by location are defined to safely interact with cars and pedestrians. See below for more information.
Quick Reference Guide
| Vehicle Type | Description | Sidewalks | Shared-Use Paths & Park Trails | Bike Lanes | Roadways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycles | Human-powered pedal bikes | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| E-Bike Class 1 | Pedal assist only up to 20 mph | Restricted | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| E-Bike Class 2 | Pedal assist and throttle, maximum speed of 20 mph for both functions | Restricted | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| E-Bike Class 3 (16 and up) | Pedal assist and throttle, maximum speed of 28 mph for pedal assist | Not allowed | Not allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Personal Transportation Devices (PTDs) | Powered scooters, motorized skateboards, electric personal assistive mobility devices | Restricted | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| E-Motos* License required | Powered bikes that exceed 28 mph | Not allowed | Not allowed | Not allowed | Allowed |
- Allowed Allowed within listed speed limits unless specified otherwise or in certain districts like Uptown.
- Restricted Allowed within speed limits, with some restrictions. E-Bike/PTD motors must be completely disengaged.
- Not allowed Not allowed.
* License required.
Operations, Equipment and Roadway Interactions
Certain classifications of e-bikes and PTDs are allowed across sidewalks, shared-use paths and park trails, bike lanes and roadways, provided they adhere to speed limits designated for those areas, or unless prohibited otherwise like in Business districts or Shopping Centers.
SPEED & LOCATION RULES:
- Sidewalks: 8 mph max speed limit. Motors must be completely disengaged.
- In Uptown: Ride on the street, not on sidewalks
- Shared-Use Paths & Park Trails: Max 15 mph.
- Bicycle Lanes: Max 20 mph.
- Class 3 e-bikes and NOT permitted on City paths, trails or sidewalks
- Roadways: Must follow the posted speed limit for motor vehicles and must not impede normal traffic flow.
Important: Westerville's regulations are more restrictive than Ohio state law. When riding in Westerville, you must follow these local rules.
eBike Guidelines for Parents
Some crossover bikes are mistakenly sold as e-bikes. Any vehicle over 750 watts requires a license to operate.
Know Before You Buy
When purchasing an e-bike or making sure it's safe for your child, it's important for parents to understand the different classifications between vehicles. Per Ohio and Westerville law, e-bikes are bicycles equipped with fully operable pedals and electric motors of less than 750 watts. Some crossover bikes are mistakenly sold as e-bikes, but have closer to 2,500 to 3,000 watts of power, and any vehicle over 750 watts requires a license, registration and insurance to operate.
To help you navigate purchasing an e-bike here are a few helpful tips:
- Check the wattage on the e-bike. Make sure that the bike has 750 watts of power or less AND has operable pedals
- Check the e-bike's max speed. Bikes that can go up to 28 mph are Class 3 and can be only ridden by ages 16 and up and not on shared-use trails.
- Ensure riders have properly fitted helmets. Ages 18 and under must wear a helmet while riding in Westerville. Parents, guardians, or legal custodians can be held liable for knowingly permitting a minor to ride without a helmet.
- Know the rules of the road. Riders must adhere to speed and safety requirements on all paths and roadways. Consider enrolling in a bike safety course to understand proper signaling, navigation with traffic and interactions with pedestrians.
Understanding E-Bike Classes
PTDs
Personal Transportation Devices
Under 100 pounds
20 mph
None
Class 1
Pedal-assist only (no throttle)
750W maximum
20 mph
None
Class 2
Pedal-assist OR throttle
750W maximum
20 mph
None
Class 3
Pedal-assist and throttle
750W maximum
28 mph
16+ years (No license required)
E-Motos
16+ years old - License required
Powered bikes that exceed 28 mph
Over 750W
Over 28 mph
16+ years - License, registration and insurance are required
Protect Your Future - Ride Safe
E-bikes and scooters can get you there faster, but safety has to come first.
Helmet Safety
- Helmets save lives - required for all riders under 18
- Properly fitted and fastened every ride
- Replace after any impact
Passengers
- Carrying passengers may be dangerous
- Increases instability and stopping distance
- Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions
Avoid Distractions
- Stay alert to traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions
- Your safety depends on your awareness
- Using a phone or headphones while riding is not recommended
Know Your Vehicle
- E-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes - longer stopping distances
- More speed = less reaction time
- Practice in a safe area before riding in traffic
- Understand your bike's capabilities and limits
Battery & Charging Safety
- Follow manufacturer's charging instructions
- Never leave batteries charging unattended overnight
- Use only approved chargers
- Store batteries safely away from flammable materials
Enforcement & Traffic Law Compliance
To support new rules around enforcement and traffic law compliance on trails and share-use paths, Westerville Police will utilize bike patrol officers to educate and monitor use of e-bikes and PTDs
Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line to report issues. 9-1-1 calls should be reserved for true emergencies (accidents or reckless behavior). All other calls should go to (614) 882-7444.
Westerville Police Department
- Questions about Westerville regulations
- Report unsafe riding behavior
- Enforcement information
- Contact: 614-882-7444
Reporting Issues
For accident reporting, reckless behavior, or emergencies:
Call 9-1-1