Ohio Bill Would Require E-Bike Registration, Helmets and a Minimum Riding Age of 14

Ohio could get its first statewide registration system for e-bikes. Senate Bill 477, introduced on October 7, 2026, would require owners to register e-bikes and low-speed micromobility devices such as e-scooters for $25, require helmets on every e-bike, and set a minimum riding age of 14.

The bill’s primary sponsor is Sen. William P. DeMora (D-Columbus), according to the Ohio Legislature. Rep. Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) is working with him on the measure, and a House version was expected within about a week, WHIO reported. As of October 8 the bill has only been introduced and awaits Senate committee hearings. It is not law.

This post summarises the bill as introduced. It is not legal advice.

Start with what SB 477 would require, based on the bill text as introduced. Registration: beginning six months after the law takes effect, no one could ride an e-bike or low-speed micromobility device on a public road or highway unless it is registered with the Ohio Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and the fee would be $25. A sticker on the head tube: registered owners would get a sticker showing the county and the device’s serial number, displayed on the head tube, and it would stay valid without renewal for as long as the same person owns the bike.

A license or a safety course: the registration application would need proof that the owner and each authorized rider has a driver’s license, permit or similar license, or a certificate from a new electric device safety course, which the Ohio Department of Public Safety would create (in person or online) within three months.

Helmets for everyone: riders and passengers on any e-bike would need a helmet meeting CPSC or ASTM standards. Ohio’s current helmet rule applies to Class 3 e-bikes.

Age limits: no one under 14 could operate an e-bike. Riders aged 14 and 15 could not operate a Class 3 e-bike. Riders under 18 could not carry passengers, and riders aged 18 to 20 could not carry a passenger under 12.

Rentals: no one under 18 could rent an e-bike, and rental and sharing companies would not have to supply individual rider details when registering their fleets.

For a first offense, violations of the age and helmet rules would be a minor misdemeanor, with higher penalty levels if the rider has prior traffic offenses within a year.

Why now: local rules already vary widely. More than 2,200 Ohio cities, townships and villages have adopted their own e-bike and e-scooter rules, 13abc (WTVG) reported. Perrysburg, for example, starts requiring police registration for Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on bike-only and shared-use paths on October 15. Toledo-area hospitals told the station they are seeing more e-bike and e-scooter injuries.

The e-bike pros’ take: whatever happens in Columbus, a properly fitted, certified helmet is the single easiest safety upgrade for every rider and passenger.

Know your class. Age and path rules in Ohio, and in SB 477, depend on whether a bike is Class 1, 2 or 3. Check the class label on your bike.

Write down your serial number. If registration passes, you will need it. It’s also useful if your bike is ever stolen.

Watch the bill. Bills often change in committee. Check the final text if SB 477 moves, and follow your city’s rules in the meantime.

Our cargo category page, yesterday’s story on Michigan’s battery-certification bill, and our explainer on California’s e-bike laws are linked below, alongside the Ohio Legislature’s bill page and the two local reports this story draws on.

Photo: Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, Historic American Buildings Survey via Library of Congress (public domain).