Regards electric bicycle operation, education, and traffic safety

hb948_00_IN

As Introduced

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
H. B. No. 948

2025-2026

Representatives White, A., Miller, K.

To
amend sections 4507.11, 4508.02, and 4511.522 of the Revised Code

regarding
electric bicycle operation, education, and traffic safety.

BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section
1.
That
sections 4507.11, 4508.02, and 4511.522 of the Revised Code be
amended to read as follows:

Sec.
4507.11.
(A)(1)
Except as provided in section 4507.112 of the Revised Code, the
registrar of motor vehicles shall conduct all necessary examinations
of applicants for temporary instruction permits, drivers' licenses,
motorcycle operators' endorsements, or motor-driven cycle or motor
scooter endorsements. The examination shall include a test of the
applicant's knowledge of motor vehicle laws, including the laws
governing stopping for school buses
,
safely operating a motor vehicle adjacent to pedestrians and
bicyclists, including those operating electric bicycles,

and use of an electronic wireless communications device while
operating a motor vehicle, a test of the applicant's physical fitness
to drive, and a test of the applicant's ability to understand highway
traffic control devices. The registrar may conduct the examination in
such a manner that applicants who are illiterate or limited in their
knowledge of the English language are tested by methods that would
indicate to the examining officer that the applicant has a reasonable
knowledge of motor vehicle laws and understands highway traffic
control devices.

(2)
An applicant for a driver's license shall give an actual
demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable
control in the operation of a motor vehicle by driving a motor
vehicle under the supervision of an examining officer; however, no
applicant for a driver's license shall use a low-speed or under-speed
vehicle or a mini-truck for the purpose of demonstrating ability to
exercise ordinary and reasonable control over a vehicle. The
demonstration shall consist of a maneuverability test and a road
test. The director of public safety shall determine the formats of
the tests.

(3)
Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an applicant for
a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license that
permits only the operation of a motorcycle shall give an actual
demonstration of the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable
control in the operation of a motorcycle by driving a motorcycle
under the supervision of an examining officer. However, no applicant
for such an endorsement or restricted license shall use a
motor-driven cycle or motor scooter for the purpose of demonstrating
ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation
of a motorcycle.

(4)
Except as provided in division (B) of this section, an applicant for
a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter operator's endorsement or a
restricted license that permits only the operation of a motor-driven
cycle or motor scooter shall give an actual demonstration of the
ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation
of a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter by driving a motor-driven
cycle or motor scooter under the supervision of an examining officer.

(5)
Except as provided in sections 4507.112 and 4507.12 of the Revised
Code, the registrar shall designate the highway patrol, any law
enforcement body, or any other employee of the department of public
safety to supervise and conduct examinations for temporary
instruction permits, drivers' licenses, and motorcycle operators'
endorsements and shall provide the necessary rules and forms to
properly conduct the examinations. A deputy registrar shall forward
to the registrar the records of the examinations, together with the
application for a temporary instruction permit, driver's license, or
motorcycle operator's endorsement. If in the opinion of the registrar
the applicant is qualified to operate a motor vehicle, the registrar
shall issue the permit, license, or endorsement.

(6)
The registrar may authorize the highway patrol, other designated law
enforcement body, or other designated employee of the department of
public safety to issue an examiner's driving permit to an applicant
who has passed the required examination, authorizing that applicant
to operate a motor vehicle while the registrar is completing an
investigation relative to that applicant's qualifications to receive
a temporary instruction permit, driver's license, or motorcycle
operator's endorsement. The applicant shall keep the examiner's
driving permit in the applicant's immediate possession while
operating a motor vehicle. The examiner's driving permit is effective
until final action and notification has been given by the registrar,
but in no event longer than sixty days from its date of issuance.

(B)(1)
An applicant for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted
license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle who presents
to the registrar of motor vehicles or a deputy registrar a form
approved by the director of public safety attesting to the
applicant's successful completion within the preceding sixty days of
a course of basic instruction provided by the motorcycle safety and
education program approved by the director pursuant to section
4508.08 of the Revised Code shall not be required to give an actual
demonstration of the ability to operate a motorcycle by driving a
motorcycle under the supervision of an examining officer, as
described in division (A) of this section. An applicant for a
motor-driven cycle or motor scooter operator's endorsement or a
restricted license that permits only the operation of a motor-driven
cycle or motor scooter who presents to the registrar of motor
vehicles or a deputy registrar a form approved by the director of
public safety attesting to the applicant's successful completion
within the preceding sixty days of a course of basic instruction
provided by the motorcycle safety and education program approved by
the director pursuant to section 4508.08 of the Revised Code shall
not be required to give an actual demonstration of the ability to
operate a motor-driven cycle or motor scooter by driving a
motor-driven cycle or motor scooter under the supervision of an
examining officer, as described in division (A) of this section. Upon
presentation of the form described in division (B)(1) of this section
and compliance with all other requirements relating to the issuance
of a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted license that
permits only the operation of a motorcycle, the registrar or deputy
registrar shall issue to the applicant the endorsement or restricted
license, as the case may be.

(2)
A person who has not attained eighteen years of age and presents an
application for a motorcycle operator's endorsement or a restricted
license under division (B)(1) of this section also shall comply with
the requirements of section 4507.21 of the Revised Code.

(C)
A person who holds a valid motorcycle endorsement or restricted
license that permits only the operation of a motorcycle may operate a
motor-driven cycle or motor scooter with that endorsement or
restricted license.

Sec.
4508.02.
(A)(1)
The director of public safety, subject to Chapter 119. of the Revised
Code, shall adopt and prescribe such rules concerning the
administration and enforcement of this chapter as are necessary to
protect the public. The rules shall require an assessment of the
holder of a probationary instructor license. The director shall
inspect the school facilities and equipment of applicants and
licensees and examine applicants for instructor's licenses.

(2)
The director shall adopt rules governing online driver education
courses that may be completed via the internet to satisfy the
classroom instruction under division (C) of this section. The rules
shall do all of the following:

(a)
Establish standards that an online driver training enterprise must
satisfy to be licensed to offer an online driver education course via
the internet, including, at a minimum, proven expertise in providing
driver education and an acceptable infrastructure capable of
providing secure online driver education in accord with advances in
internet technology. The rules shall allow an online driver training
enterprise to be affiliated with a licensed driver training school
offering in-person classroom instruction, but shall not require such
an affiliation.

(b)
Establish content requirements that an online driver education course
must satisfy to be approved as equivalent to twenty-four hours of
in-person classroom instruction;

(c)
Establish attendance standards, including a maximum number of course
hours that may be completed in a twenty-four-hour period;

(d)
Allow an enrolled applicant to begin the required eight hours of
actual behind-the-wheel instruction upon completing all twenty-four
hours of course instruction;

(e)
Establish any other requirements necessary to regulate online driver
education.

(B)
The director shall administer and enforce this chapter.

(C)
The rules shall require twenty-four hours of completed in-person
classroom instruction or the completion of an approved, equivalent
online driver education course offered via the internet by a licensed
online driver training enterprise, followed by eight hours of actual
behind-the-wheel instruction conducted on public streets and highways
of this state for all beginning drivers of noncommercial motor
vehicles who are required to complete the training under section
4507.21 of the Revised Code. The rules shall allow beginning drivers
of noncommercial motor vehicles to complete the driver education
course at any point while holding a valid temporary instruction
permit. The rules also shall require the classroom instruction or
online driver education course for such drivers to include
instruction on
both

all

of
the following:

(1)
The dangers of driving a motor vehicle while distracted, including
while using an electronic wireless communications device, or engaging
in any other activity that distracts a driver from the safe and
effective operation of a motor vehicle;

(2)
The dangers of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of a
controlled substance, prescription medication, or alcohol
;

(3)
The laws for sharing the roadway with a pedestrian and the operator
of a bicycle or an electric bicycle, including hand and arm signals,
right-of-way rules, and passing protocols
.

(D)
The rules shall state the minimum hours for classroom and
behind-the-wheel instruction required for beginning drivers of
commercial trucks, commercial cars, buses, and commercial tractors,
trailers, and semitrailers.

(E)(1)
The department of public safety may charge a fee to each online
driver training enterprise in an amount sufficient to pay the actual
expenses the department incurs in the regulation of online driver
education courses.

(2)
The department shall supply to each licensed online driver training
enterprise certificates to be used for certifying an applicant's
enrollment in an approved online driver education course and a
separate certificate to be issued upon successful completion of an
approved online driver education course. The certificates shall be
numbered serially. The department may charge a fee to each online
driver training enterprise per certificate supplied to pay the actual
expenses the department incurs in supplying the certificates.

(F)
The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the
Revised Code governing an abbreviated driver training course for
adults.

Sec.
4511.522.
(A)(1)
On and after January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of
electric bicycles shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent
location, to each electric bicycle. The label shall specify whether
the electric bicycle is a class 1, class 2, or class 3 electric
bicycle, the top assisted speed that the electric bicycle is capable
of reaching, and the motor wattage of the electric bicycle.

(2)
No person shall modify an electric bicycle in a manner that changes
the top assisted speed that the electric bicycle is capable of
reaching unless the person also modifies the label required under
division (A)(1) of this section to reflect the modification.

(3)
No person shall sell at retail an electric bicycle without giving the
purchaser, either on paper or electronically, a copy of the
educational leaflet or pamphlet created by the department of
transportation under division (F) of this section.

(B)(1)
The manufacturer of an electric bicycle shall ensure that the
electric bicycle complies with the equipment and manufacturing
requirements for bicycles established by the consumer product safety
commission under 16 C.F.R. 1512 et seq.

(2)
The manufacturer shall manufacture all class 1 electric bicycles and
class 3 electric bicycles so that when the rider ceases pedaling the
electric motor ceases to provide assistance. The manufacturer shall
manufacture all class 2 electric bicycles so that when the rider
applies the brakes or releases or activates a switch or similar
mechanism the electric motor ceases to provide assistance.

(3)
All class 3 electric bicycles shall be equipped with a speedometer
that displays the speed of the electric bicycle in miles per hour.

(C)(1)
The operation of a class 1 electric bicycle and a class 2 electric
bicycle is permitted on a path set aside for the exclusive use of
bicycles or on a shared-use path, unless the county, township,
municipal corporation, other local authority, or state agency as
defined in section 1.60 of the Revised Code with control over the
path by resolution, ordinance, or rule prohibits the use of a class 1
electric bicycle or class 2 electric bicycle on such a path.

(2)
No person shall operate a class 3 electric bicycle on a path set
aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or a shared-use path unless
that path is within or adjacent to a highway or the county, township,
municipal corporation, or local authority, or state agency as defined
in section 1.60 of the Revised Code with control over the path by
resolution, ordinance, or rule authorizes the use of a class 3
electric bicycle on such a path.

(3)
No person shall operate a class 1 electric bicycle, a class 2
electric bicycle, or a class 3 electric bicycle on a path that is
intended to be used primarily for mountain biking, hiking, equestrian
use, or other similar uses, or any other single track or natural
surface trail that has historically been reserved for nonmotorized
use, unless the county, township, municipal corporation, other local
authority, or state agency as defined in section 1.60 of the Revised
Code with control over the path by resolution, ordinance, or rule
authorizes the use of a class 1 electric bicycle, a class 2 electric
bicycle, or a class 3 electric bicycle on such a path.

(4)
Divisions (C)(2) and (3) of this section do not apply to a law
enforcement officer, or other person sworn to enforce the criminal
and traffic laws of the state, using an electric bicycle while in the
performance of the officer's duties.

(D)(1)
No person under sixteen years of age shall operate a class 3 electric
bicycle; however, a person under sixteen years of age may ride as a
passenger on a class 3 electric bicycle that is designed to
accommodate passengers.

(2)
No person shall operate or be a passenger on a class 3 electric
bicycle unless the person is wearing a protective helmet that meets
the standards established by the consumer product safety commission
or the American society for testing and materials.

(E)(1)
Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever operates an
electric bicycle in a manner that is prohibited under division (C) of
this section and whoever violates division (D) of this section is
guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense,
the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to
one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this
section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within
one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted
of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever
violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(2)
The offenses established under division (E)(1) of this section are
strict liability offenses and strict liability is a culpable mental
state for purposes of section 2901.20 of the Revised Code. The
designation of these offenses as strict liability offenses shall not
be construed to imply that any other offense, for which there is no
specified degree of culpability, is not a strict liability offense.

(F)
The department of transportation, in consultation with the department
of public safety, shall do all of the following:

(1)
Maintain a summary of the Ohio laws governing the operation and use
of electric bicycles;

(2)
Create videos that explain general traffic rules for operators of
electric bicycles;

(3)
Publish both the summary and the videos on each department's
respective web site;

(4)
Design and distribute to electric bicycle retail sellers and driver
training schools, either on paper or electronically, an educational
leaflet or pamphlet that does all of the following:

(a)
Briefly outlines Ohio laws for electric bicycle operators on the
road;

(b)
Distinguishes between an electric bicycle and other similar forms of
transportation, including a motorized bicycle or moped, a
motor-driven cycle or scooter, an off-highway motorcycle, a
motorcycle, and a mini-bike;

(c)
Contains a link to the summary and training videos available on the
department web sites as described in division (F)(3) of this section.

Section
2.
That
existing sections 4507.11, 4508.02, and 4511.522 of the Revised Code
are hereby repealed.

Section
3.
(A)(1)
Beginning not later than thirty days after the effective date of this
section, the Director of Public Safety shall conduct a study of the
following:

(a)
The types of electric bicycles, motorized bicycles or mopeds,
motor-driven cycles or scooters, off-highway motorcycles,
motorcycles, and mini-bikes that are available for purchase at
retail, the definitions and classifications for such vehicles in the
Revised Code, and whether the Revised Code should be amended to
accurately reflect the modern uses and operation of such vehicles;

(b)
The benefits and challenges of implementing additional statewide
safety training or requirements for riders of Class 3 electric
bicycles, off-highway motorcycles, and mini-bikes, with consideration
to existing statutes and the governance of those vehicles by local
authorities;

(c)
Any other safety considerations for electric bicycle, off-highway
motorcycle, and mini-bike operators as determined by the Director.

(2)
In conducting the study, the Director may consider electric bicycle,
off-highway motorcycle, and mini-bike regulations and registration
laws in other states or in local jurisdictions within Ohio.

(B)
Not later than three months after the effective date of this section,
the Director shall submit a report of its findings and
recommendations for the study conducted under division (A) of this
section to all of the following:

(1)
The Governor;

(2)
The President of the Senate;

(3)
The Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(4)
The Minority Leader of the Senate;

(5)
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.