Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming increasingly popular throughout Delaware. While they offer a convenient and environmentally friendly way to travel, riders must follow both Ohio law and Delaware City ordinances designed to keep everyone safe.

This page provides a summary of the rules governing e-bike operation within the City of Delaware.

Applicable Laws

  • Ohio Revised Code 4511.522
  • Delaware Codified Ordinances Chapter 373

Understanding E-Bike Classes

Ohio law recognizes three classes of electric bicycles.

Class 1 E-Bikes

Class 1 e-bikes provide electric motor assistance only while the rider is pedaling.

  • Maximum assisted speed: 20 mph
  • May use shared-use paths and bicycle paths where permitted
  • Maximum speed on shared-use paths: 10 mph

Class 2 E-Bikes

Class 2 e-bikes include a throttle-operated motor that can propel the bicycle without pedaling.

  • Maximum assisted speed: 20 mph
  • May use shared-use paths and bicycle paths where permitted
  • Maximum speed on shared-use paths: 10 mph

Class 3 E-Bikes

Class 3 e-bikes provide motor assistance only while pedaling and are capable of higher speeds.

Requirements include:

  • Maximum assisted speed: 28 mph
  • Riders must be 16 years of age or older
  • Operators and passengers must wear an approved helmet
  • Must be equipped with a speedometer
  • Not permitted on bicycle paths or shared-use paths

If the "E-bike" doesn’t have pedals, it’s a motorcycle (motorcycles cannot be driven on sidewalks/bikepaths) and you must have a driver’s license.  

Sidewalk Rules

Class 1 and Class 2

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may only be operated on sidewalks when the electric motor is NOT engaged.

If riding on a sidewalk:

  • The motor must be turned off.
  • Riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

Class 3

Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on:

  • Sidewalks
  • Bicycle-only paths
  • Shared-use paths

Shared-Use Paths & Bicycle Paths

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may use bicycle paths and shared-use paths under the following conditions:

  • Maximum speed is 10 mph
  • Riders must yield to pedestrians and other trail users

Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on these facilities.

Downtown No-Riding Area

For pedestrian safety, bicycles and e-bikes are prohibited from riding on sidewalks within the designated Downtown No-Riding Area.

City Ordinance (Section 373.12(c)) states:

No person shall ride a bicycle, skateboard, roller skates or roller blades upon a sidewalk within the downtown area. The downtown area means that area on Sandusky Street from Central Avenue to Spring Street, William Street from Franklin Street to Union Street and Winter Street from Franklin Street to Union Street.

Riders should dismount and walk their bicycle or e-bike through this area.

Trail Restrictions

To protect natural areas and ensure the safety of all trail users:

All e-bikes are prohibited on:

  • Natural-surface trails
  • Mountain bike trails
  • Hiking trails
  • Equestrian trails
  • Other trails designated for non-motorized use

Quick Rules at a Glance

Rule Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
Maximum assisted speed 20 mph 20 mph 28 mph
Motor while pedaling ✓ ✓
Throttle operation ✓
Shared-use paths ✓ (10 mph max) ✓ (10 mph max) ✗
Bicycle paths ✓ (10 mph max) ✓ (10 mph max) ✗
Sidewalks with motor engaged ✗ ✗ ✗
Minimum rider age None None 16+
Helmet required No No Yes
Speedometer required No No Yes

Safety Reminders

Whether riding a traditional bicycle or an e-bike, everyone shares the responsibility for keeping Delaware's streets and trails safe.

  • Ride at a safe speed for conditions.
  • Yield to pedestrians.
  • Follow all traffic laws and signs.
  • Wear a helmet whenever possible.
  • Be courteous to other trail and roadway users.

Click for a printable E-bike Rules Flyer