Scooter Laws in Ohio
Motorized scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in many Ohio cities, particularly as electric scooters have become more affordable for people to purchase. Additionally, scooter-sharing services like Bird and Lime have begun operating in many of the state’s larger municipalities. Before renting or buying an electric or motorized scooter in Ohio, familiarize yourself with the state’s laws to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Are Scooters Legal in Ohio?
Ohio law allows individuals to operate motorized scooters, including both electric- and gasoline-powered scooters. However, state and local laws impose various requirements on the operation of scooters, depending on the type of scooter.
What Counts as a Scooter in Ohio Law?
A motorized scooter refers to a vehicle that meets several criteria. Under Ohio law, a scooter:
- Is designed to travel on no more than three wheels in contact with the ground at any one time
- Has a seat for the driver and a floorboard for the driver’s feet
- Has an internal combustion engine with a displacement between 50 and 100 cc that produces no more than five horsepower
- Can travel faster than 20 mph on flat ground
An electric-powered scooter that meets the above criteria except for the engine requirement may also fall under the definition of a motorized scooter.
Ohio also recognizes electric scooters as a class of scooter. Electric scooters refer to scooters that have a battery-powered electric motor and a top speed of less than 20 mph.
Do You Need a License or Registration for Scooters in Ohio?
You need a motorcycle/motor scooter license or endorsement to operate a motorized scooter with an internal combustion engine larger than 50cc. Operators must register those scooters with the state’s BMV.
Where Can You Ride Scooters in Ohio?
In Ohio, you must ride a scooter on a surface road (i.e., non-highway streets or roads in cities and towns). However, many municipalities in the state permit people to ride electric scooters in designated bike lanes or on shared-use (bicycle/pedestrian) paths.
Key Scooter Regulations in Ohio
Regulations for scooters in Ohio include:
- Riders must have a motorcycle/motor scooter license or endorsement to operate a motorized scooter. Riders do not need a license for an electric scooter.
- Riders must insure and register motorized scooters
- Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a motorized scooter or electric scooter
City-Specific Scooter Rules
Some city-specific rules that Ohio’s municipalities have include:
- Columbus – Electric scooters may operate on shared-use paths (i.e., paths created exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle use). Scooter operators must not leave a scooter on a public sidewalk in a position that obstructs a wheelchair- or mobility scooter-bound individual.
- Cincinnati – The use of shared electric scooters is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Riders must park their scooters upright in the furniture zone of the sidewalk or the collector/planning strip adjacent to the street. Riders may not block bus stops, loading zones, curb ramps, driveways, or accessible parking zones.
- Cleveland – People are prohibited from using shared electric scooters between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. Riders must park scooters upright in the furniture zone of the sidewalk or the collector/planning strip adjacent to the street. Riders may not block bus stops, loading zones, curb ramps, driveways, or accessible parking zones.
What Happens If You Break Scooter Laws in Ohio?
If you violate local ordinances regarding the use of scooters or break traffic laws, you may face municipal fines or a traffic ticket. Furthermore, operating a scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in your arrest for DUI.
Safety Tips for Scooter Riders in Ohio
Scooter riders can protect themselves by following these safety tips:
- Inspect the scooter before every trip, checking the brakes, tires, handlebars, lights, and throttle
- Always wear a helmet and consider wearing other protective gear, such as elbow and knee pads
- Wear bright or reflective clothing or place reflective tape on your helmet or clothing to make you more visible, especially at night
- Obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and using hand signals when stopping or turning
- Watch your surroundings for other vehicles, pedestrians, or road obstacles
- Stay below the speed limit and refrain from riding too fast, especially on busy roads or near pedestrian areas
- Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling to stop or turn
- Avoid using your cell phone or having other distractions, such as headphones
- Slow down at intersections and look for traffic
- Avoid using a scooter while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
FAQs About Ohio Scooter Laws
Here are the answers to some common questions about scooter laws in Ohio:
Do I need a license for a Bird or Lime scooter in Ohio?
Ohio law does not require you to hold a license to operate an electric scooter.
Can I ride my e-scooter on the sidewalk in Ohio?
State law restricts the operation of motorized scooters to bike lanes and surface roads.
What’s the legal age to ride a scooter in Ohio?
A person must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric scooter in Ohio.
Can I get a DUI on an electric scooter in Ohio?
Electric scooters incorporate a motor and do not qualify as a motorized wheelchair or a personal assistive mobility device used by people with difficulty walking. As such, they can qualify as a “vehicle” under Ohio law. Thus, a person can face arrest for DUI by operating an electric scooter in Ohio while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Are helmets mandatory for electric scooters?
Ohio does not require adult electric scooter riders to wear helmets. However, officials strongly encourage all riders to wear them to reduce the risk of severe head injuries in an accident.
Contact Our Ohio Accident Attorneys if You Need Help
Have you been injured in a scooter accident in Ohio? If so, you deserve experienced legal counsel to help you pursue financial recovery for your injuries and losses. Contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today for a free consultation with our Ohio personal injury lawyers to discuss how the state’s motorized bike laws may affect your legal claim.
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