eBikes and electric scooters are now a common sight in Mentor. With national eBike sales tripling over the past five years, these devices offer convenient, efficient, and fun transportation. However, they also raise important safety concerns. More than 20,000 eBike riders are injured each year in the United States, with over 30 percent of those incidents involving motor vehicles. Electric scooters present an even higher risk, with more than 118,000 emergency room visits reported nationwide in 2024.
An eBike is a traditional bicycle equipped with an electric motor and battery that provides power-assisted pedaling or throttle propulsion. Ohio classifies eBikes into three categories. Class 1 eBikes offer pedal-assist only and cut off at 20 mph with no throttle. Class 2 models can use pedal-assist or a throttle but still cut off at 20 mph. Class 3 eBikes are the fastest, cutting off at 28 mph, and may use both pedal-assist and throttle. Because of their higher speeds, Class 3 eBikes face stricter regulations.
In Mentor, the motor must be turned completely off when riding on sidewalks, allowing the eBike to be operated like a regular bicycle. When riding in the street, all riders must obey traffic laws, stop at signs, and follow signals. From sunset to sunrise, every eBike requires a bright white front light and a red rear light with reflector. Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes are permitted on bike paths and shared-use paths, while Class 3 models are restricted to roadways only. No eBikes of any class are allowed on hiking trails or natural surface paths. Low-speed electric scooters (up to 20 mph) are permitted on public roads, but children under 16 must be supervised by a guardian.
Safety requirements are essential. Only riders age 16 and older may operate Class 3 eBikes, and all riders and passengers on these models must wear helmets that meet national safety standards. Parents should select equipment appropriate for their child’s age and skill level, practice traffic rules together as a family, and always check lights, reflectors, and brakes before each ride. Helmets are strongly recommended for every trip.
Although these devices may look like toys, a child traveling at 20 mph can suffer serious injuries, especially in a collision with a motor vehicle. The Mentor Police Department encourages families to enjoy these devices responsibly while making safety the top priority. Talk with your children about safe riding habits, insist they wear helmets, and remind them to stay alert and aware of their surroundings. Working together, we can prevent tragedies and keep our community safe.