North RidgevilleTop story
North Ridgeville's new e-bike rules, including helmets for riders under 18, are now in effect
Helmet rules depend on the e-bike's class
| Class | Motor assist | Helmet required |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Pedal assist, 20 mph max | Riders under 18 |
| Class 2 | Throttle, 20 mph max | Riders under 18 |
| Class 3 | Pedal assist, 28 mph max | All ages |
Source: Cleveland.com
If you ride an e-bike in North Ridgeville, the rules changed Wednesday. An ordinance City Council passed Oct. 5 took effect Nov. 4. It covers public streets, sidewalks, multi-use paths and parking lots open to traffic, and the helmet rule depends on the bike's class.
- Sidewalks and paths: pedal only, no motor, on all three classes
- Class 3: riders must be at least 16
- Riders under 18: no holding a phone or wearing earbuds or headphones while riding
- After dark: white front light and red rear light
- Penalty: most violations are minor misdemeanors, no license points
Police Chief Mike Freeman said officers would focus first on education before moving to enforcement, according to draft meeting minutes. Mayor Kevin Corcoran said some students rely on e-bikes because they live within the school district's 2-mile busing limit, and that electric scooters also need to be addressed. News 5 Cleveland WEWS reports that riders who break the rules can be ticketed the same way as motor vehicle drivers.
The e-bike rules went from committee to law in about two months
- Aug. 31Residents raise speeding and safety concerns at council's Safety Committee meeting.
- Oct. 5City Council passes the e-bike ordinance.
- Nov. 4The new e-bike rules take effect.
Source: Cleveland.com
