Elyria, OH Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)

Elyria Codified Ordinances § 301.64 defines an electric bicycle as a class 1, class 2 or class 3 electric bicycle, each a bicycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Class 1 provides assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stops assisting at 20 miles per hour. Class 2 can provide assistance whether or not the rider is pedaling and cannot assist at 20 miles per hour. Class 3 provides assistance only while pedaling and stops at 28 miles per hour.

Section 373.26(c)(1) permits class 1 and class 2 bikes on a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or on a shared-use path, unless the authority controlling that path prohibits them by resolution, ordinance or rule. Section 373.26(c)(2) bars class 3 bikes from those paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a highway, or the controlling authority authorizes class 3 use. Under § 373.26(c)(3), none of the three classes can be operated on a path intended primarily for mountain biking, hiking, equestrian use or similar uses, or on a single track or natural surface trail historically reserved for non-motorized use, unless the controlling authority authorizes it. Division (c)(4) exempts a law enforcement officer or other person sworn to enforce criminal and traffic laws who is using an e-bike on duty from the class 3 and natural-trail limits.

Rider rules apply to class 3 only. Under § 373.26(d), no one under 16 can operate a class 3 bike, though a person under 16 can ride as a passenger on one designed to carry passengers, and every operator and passenger wears a protective helmet meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission or ASTM standards. Under § 373.26(a), each bike carries a permanent label stating its class, top assisted speed and motor wattage, and no one can modify the top assisted speed without correcting the label. Section 373.26(b)(3) requires a class 3 speedometer displaying miles per hour.