What to Know Before You Go

E-bikes are becoming more common across the Tri-State region and beyond. They are helping more people get outside, ride farther, and feel confident on a bike. For many riders, especially those returning to cycling or managing physical limitations, e-bikes are opening the door to movement, connection, and exploration.

As more people choose to ride e-bikes, it is important that we all understand how they work, where they are allowed, and how to share space safely on our trails.

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What is an e-bike?

In 2021, Ohio passed a statewide e-bike law to create clear definitions and expectations. You can explore the full language in the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4511, which mirrors policies being adopted across the country.

There are three classes of electric bicycles:

Class 1 e-bike
A bike with pedals that provides electric assistance only when you are pedaling. Assistance stops at 20 mph.

Class 2 e-bike
A bike with pedals that can provide assistance with or without pedaling using a throttle. Assistance stops at 20 mph.

Class 3 e-bike
A pedal-assist bike that provides assistance only when pedaling, but continues up to 28 mph.

All three classes must have fully operable pedals and motors under 750 watts.

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Where can e-bikes be used?

Under Ohio law:

• Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are generally allowed on shared-use paths and bike trails unless a local agency restricts them
• Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on shared-use trails per state law
• All e-bikes are prohibited on natural-surface trails, such as hiking or mountain bike trails, unless explicitly allowed

Local jurisdictions, park systems, and cities can set their own rules, so always look for signage when you ride.

Organizations like PeopleForBikes have helped shape these classifications nationwide, noting that: “Electric bikes are designed to be operated in the same spaces as traditional bicycles, when used responsibly.”

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What this means for the Tour de CROWN

The Tour de CROWN route primarily uses shared-use trails and low-stress bikeways where Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are accepted.

If you plan to ride an e-bike during the event:

• Be mindful of your speed, especially in group settings and on busy trail segments
• Communicate clearly when passing other riders
• Use extra caution on hills and when approaching rest stops or intersections
• Remember that many riders around you may be traveling at a slower pace

Tour de CROWN is a community ride, not a race. Riding in a way that is predictable, respectful, and safe helps ensure a positive experience for everyone on the route.

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Riding responsibly on an e-bike

E-bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bikes. That means riders need to take extra care, especially on shared-use trails.

Here are a few expectations we encourage:

• Ride at a controlled speed, especially around others. A good guideline on busy trails is 15 to 17 mph or slower
• Always announce when passing. A simple “on your left” goes a long way
• Use a bell or an audible signal
• Slow down near intersections, curves, and crowded areas
• Be prepared to stop quickly

A helpful way to think about it:
If you collided with someone walking or biking, what would the impact be? Ride in a way that prevents that scenario.

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Choosing an e-bike: what to consider

E-bikes can be a great tool, but they are not the right fit for everyone. It is also important to understand that not everything labeled as an “e-bike” meets the legal definition of a bicycle or is appropriate for shared-use trails.

We are seeing an increase in high-powered, throttle-driven devices on trails, often operated at unsafe speeds. Some of these may be marketed as e-bikes, but they function more like small motorbikes and are not designed for spaces shared with people walking, biking, and rolling.

Shared-use trails are not built for high-speed motorized travel. Riding in a way that puts others at risk takes away from what these spaces are meant to be: safe, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

If you are considering an e-bike, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Know what you are buying. Make sure your bike meets Class 1, 2, or 3 definitions, with operable pedals and a motor under 750 watts
• Maintenance can be complicated. Not all bike shops service every brand or system
• Batteries are expensive to replace and require proper care
• Many lower-cost e-bikes are poorly built or difficult to repair
• E-bikes are heavier, which can make them harder to transport or handle

A note on speed and safety

We are also seeing more youth and group riding on high-powered devices at speeds that are not safe for shared-use trails.

This is not about who is riding. It is about how we ride.

• High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the risk of serious injury
• Passing without warning creates unsafe and uncomfortable situations
• Groups riding quickly through crowded areas can overwhelm other trail users

If you are riding any type of e-bike or motorized device on a trail:

• Slow down and match the pace of the people around you
• Always alert others when passing
• Be especially cautious around families, older adults, and busy sections
• Remember that shared-use trails are designed for a wide range of users

Parents and guardians: please talk with youth riders about safe speeds and trail expectations, especially when using electric or motorized devices.

For additional guidance, PeopleForBikes offers national resources on choosing and maintaining e-bikes.

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What about youth riders?

For youth and young riders, a traditional bike is almost always the better choice.

Shared-use trails require awareness, control, and the ability to adjust quickly to changing conditions. These are skills that take time to develop and are best learned without motor assistance.

When speed is introduced too early, it can outpace a rider’s ability to react, navigate around others, or stop safely, especially on busy trails.

For families and caregivers:

• Encourage youth to build skills on traditional bikes first
• Talk about riding at a safe, controlled speed
• Reinforce passing etiquette and awareness of others
• Remind riders that trails are shared spaces, not places for high-speed riding

Helping young riders build strong fundamentals supports safer trails today and more confident riders in the future.

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Red Bike E-Bikes: Try bike share first

If you are curious but not ready to invest in an e-bike, bike share can be a great option.

Cincy Red Bike offers electric-assist bikes across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, making it easier to get around with less effort. Whether you are commuting, running errands, or heading to a trail, Red Bike can help you ride farther, arrive feeling fresh, and have a lot of fun along the way.

Bike share is a great way to:

• Try an e-bike before purchasing one
• Ride without worrying about maintenance or storage
• Make short trips or connect to transit
• Explore the region at your own pace

For many people, it is an easy entry point into biking for transportation.

Learn more or sign up for a membership here:
→ Red Bike Membership Page

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Why e-bikes matter

While there are challenges, e-bikes are also creating new opportunities.

They are helping people:

• Replace car trips
• Access trails and parks
• Ride with friends and family across different ability levels
• Stay active and engaged in their communities

That is something worth celebrating.

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Battery care and recycling

E-bikes rely on lithium-ion batteries, which require proper care during use and responsible disposal at the end of their life.

Batteries should never be thrown in the trash or placed in standard recycling bins. Improper disposal can create fire risks and environmental harm.

PeopleForBikes supports the Hungry for Batteries campaign, which helps riders understand how and where to recycle e-bike batteries safely. You can learn more or find a recycling option here:
→ https://www.hungryforbatteries.org/

A few tips for riders:

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place
• Use the charger provided by the manufacturer
• Avoid extreme temperatures
• Recycle batteries through approved programs when they reach end of life

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What about motorbikes or throttle-only bikes?

You may have seen small motorized bikes on trails that look more like mini motorcycles. These are often:

• Throttle-only vehicles with no pedals
• Gas-powered bikes or high-powered electric bikes
• Devices that exceed e-bike classifications

These are not considered e-bikes under Ohio law and are not allowed on shared-use trails.

On places like the Purple People Bridge, where people are walking, biking, and gathering, motorized vehicles like these create serious safety risks.

What should you do if you see a motorbike on a trail?

First, prioritize your own safety. Do not engage in confrontation.

You can:

• Move aside and give space
• Note details if it feels safe to do so
• Report the issue to the managing agency or the local non-emergency line

Trail systems rely on shared respect. Reporting unsafe behavior helps agencies understand where enforcement or education is needed.

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A shared responsibility

Trails like the CROWN are designed for everyone. People walking, running, biking, rolling, and gathering all share the same space.

As e-bike use grows, so does the need for awareness, patience, and care.

When we ride responsibly, we make the trails safer, more welcoming, and more connected for everyone.

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