News

Jun 25, 2025

New e-bike rules take effect in Avon Lake: What riders need to know - cleveland.com

Ordinance 25-129 primarily adds "electric bicycles" alongside "bicycles" throughout the existing code, ensuring police have clear authority to enforce safety regulations for both types of

Ordinance 25-129 primarily adds "electric bicycles" alongside "bicycles" throughout the existing code, ensuring police have clear authority to enforce safety regulations for both types of vehicles.Getty Images

AVON LAKE, Ohio – Avon Lake City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance Monday night updating the city’s bicycle regulations to include e-bikes, addressing safety concerns as e-bikes become increasingly popular in the community.

The legislation was fast-tracked due to safety concerns and complaints from residents about improper e-bike usage.

“With electric bicycles coming onto the scene in the last couple of years, that required a review of this section to make sure that our current laws are up to date and that they also are inclusive of electric bicycles,” Councilman David Kos said during the meeting.

With no council meeting scheduled for June 30 and the Citizens and Community Matters meeting on July 7, waiting would have delayed implementation by three weeks.

“We’re doing it as a matter of public safety,” Kos said.

Ordinance 25-129 primarily adds “electric bicycles” alongside “bicycles” throughout the existing code, ensuring police have clear authority to enforce safety regulations for both types of vehicles.

It also adds a prohibition on riding e-bikes on sidewalks with the motor engaged. The updated law clarifies that both traditional bicycles and e-bikes can be ridden on sidewalks, but e-bike riders must pedal rather than rely solely on motor power when using sidewalks. This addresses community complaints about e-bikes operating “at full throttle” on sidewalks.

The council also removed a 1962 provision that prohibited bicycle riding on sidewalks in business districts. This change particularly affects two areas recently designated as business districts -- Lake Road near Moore Road by the old power plant and shopping center, as well as the Ohio 83 and Walker Road area.

“We know that’s one of the most heavily traveled routes for kids on bikes,” Kos said.

The council also discussed the city’s bicycle and e-bike licensing program, which has seen limited participation in recent years with fewer than 10 licenses issued annually. Despite low numbers, officials decided to continue and promote the program, which serves dual purposes: helping recover stolen bikes through registration and providing educational opportunities about road safety.

“If you come in for an electric bike license, it’s an opportunity, when you get that license, for the police department to give you the rules of the road and the do’s and don’ts,” Kos said.

The licensing is free and functions more like pet registration than a driver’s license – no testing is required.

The ordinance takes effect immediately as an emergency measure, giving the Avon Lake Police Department updated tools to address e-bike safety issues throughout the summer months when bicycle usage peaks.

The Avon Lake Police Department worked with the city to produce a public service announcement video detailing e-bike safety and current laws.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.