E-Bike Safety and Awareness in Twinsburg

Police Taking a Proactive Approach

As e-bikes and similar electric-powered vehicles become more common in Twinsburg, the Police Department is taking a thoughtful and proactive approach to ensure safety for riders, pedestrians, and motorists alike.

At the March 10 Safety Committee meeting, Chief Tom Mason and Lt. Waltz discussed the increasing presence of e-bikes, including higher-powered models that may look similar to traditional bicycles but can operate at significantly higher speeds. One key challenge is that not all of these vehicles fall under the same legal definition. While many are classified as e-bikes, others may meet the criteria for motorized bicycles or even motorcycles under Ohio law. These distinctions can impact where the vehicles may be used, whether helmets or licenses are required, and what safety standards apply.

In response, the Twinsburg Police Department has begun educating officers on how to properly identify these different types of vehicles and how to address situations where they may be operated outside of legal guidelines. The department is also researching how other communities are approaching this issue, with the goal of developing a framework that is practical, enforceable, and tailored to Twinsburg.

At this stage, the focus is on education first. This includes helping riders and parents understand what type of vehicle they have, where it can be legally operated, and how to use it safely and responsibly. Clear, consistent information is a key part of preventing confusion and promoting compliance.

“Our goal is to be proactive, not reactive,” Chief Mason said. “We want to make sure our officers, riders, and parents all understand the differences between these vehicles so we can focus on safety, education, and a practical approach for our community.”

This is an evolving issue, and the City is continuing to evaluate options and gather information. This page will be updated as policies develop and additional guidance becomes available. Residents are encouraged to check back for the latest updates as Twinsburg works toward a balanced approach that supports both public safety and common-sense enforcement.

May 8, 2026

Check out important documents in the section to the right. You can find useful information regarding the major differences between E-Bikes, E-Scooters and other Low-Speed Micromobility Devices, and E-Motorcycles. You can also find some of Twinsburg's ordinances related to these types of vehicles and their operation.

DID YOU KNOW??

E-Bikes and E-Motorcycles are not the same thing. E-Bikes are still classified as bicycles with electric motors of no more than 750 WATTS. E-Motorcycles are motor vehicles just like gas motorcycles. Many E-Motorcycles are the same as traditional gas-powered dirt bikes. E-Motorcycles CANNOT be operated on a roadway unless they have all the necessary safety equipment that regular motorcycles are equipped with and the rider is properly licensed.

KNOW YOUR RIDE BEFORE YOU RIDE

May 28, 2026

NEW E-BIKE ORDINANCES NOW ON THE BOOKS!!

Here's some safety news straight from the City of Twinsburg Council Meeting! We have some new ordinances to introduce to the public regarding E-Bike safety. These have been enacted to achieve more safety for the citizens who enjoy riding E-Bikes and those who are just out for a stroll and who may encounter an E-Bike. We have worked hard researching and composing these ordinances to help E-Bike riders ride safely.

- Chapter 373 of the Codified Ordinances of Twinsburg has been renamed "Bicycles, Electric Bicycles, and Motorcycles."

- The following are the new ordinances voted on by Council and signed by the Mayor on 5/26/26 at the City Council Meeting:

• 373.09 - "Parking and Locking of Bicycle"
  • The already-existing ordinance now includes the following language that requires persons to ensure a bicycle or electric bicycle is locked when parked in a public place.
• 373.14 - "Impounding"
  • The ordinance explains when and how the Twinsburg Police Department can seize and hold onto a bicycle or electric bicycle and how it can be released to the owner/parent/guardian.
• 373.15 - "Sale of Impounded Bicycles or Electric Bicycles"
  • The ordinances explains how the Twinsburg Police Department may put up for auction any unclaimed bicycles and/or electric bicycles.
• 373.16 - "Registration Required"
  • This ordinances establishes a requirement for all bicycles and electric bicycles operated within the City of Twinsburg to be registered at the Twinsburg Police Department. Registration is free and this database will help ensure any found/recovered stolen bicycles are returned to the rightful owner. The registration has no expiration date so it is good for the life of the bicycle! Registration comes with a numbered sticker that can be affixed to the frame of the bicycle.
• 373.17 - "Registration of Stolen Bicycle or Electric Bicycle"
  • This ordinances outlines penalties for anyone who attempts to register an entered stolen bicycle.
• 373.18 - "Parental Responsibility"
  • This ordinances will hold parents and guardians responsible for the actions of their child or ward. This will help ensure that parents are aware of the actions of their kids and keep them accountable for what their children do.
• 373.19 - "Use of Helmet"
  • This ordinance now requires all users, under 18 years of age, to wear a protective helmet when they are operating a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 electric bicycle.
  • This is a necessary safety step to help reduce the number of potentially serious injuries or even deaths in an E-Bike crash.

These ordinances are now in effect in the City of Twinsburg. Please be aware of your actions when riding and enjoying E-Bikes. Hopefully these new ordinances will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable time outside for everyone!

RIDE SAFELY!

May 29, 2026

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Registration will be available both online or in person at the Police Station. We do not have the online portion available yet, it will be live soon. Residents can wait to register online once it goes live or you can come in to the police station now to get registered immediately. One thing to note, if you are registering a regular bicycle, there is no inspection required. If you are registering an electric bicycle, an officer needs to inspect it. You can either bring it to the station or when you fill out the paperwork on station, you can make arrangements for an officer to follow up at your residence. Whichever is easiest for the resident. Minors are not authorized to register a bicycle or e-bicycle, it must be done by an adult. Finally, a registration must be completed for each bicycle that is being registered. Thank you.

June 8, 2026

REGISTRATION UPDATE:

We have opened up our online registration! It can be found here www.mytwinsburg.com/BikeRegistration. If you are registering online, please fill out the requested information and an officer will contact you to complete the process and provide you with a registration sticker. Remember, if it is an e-bike, it needs to be inspected prior to receiving a sticker. When the officer contacts you to complete the process, a time can be set up for an officer to come to your residence, or if you would rather bring your e-bike to the police station, we can arrange that too. Regular pedal bikes do not need an inspection and stickers can be picked up at the station or mailed to your residence. Walk in registrations are always available at the police station. Ride safe!