Ohio Revised code says-

**Bikeguy Joe** · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 06:45 AM

4511.521 Operation of motorized bicycles.
(A) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a highway or any public or private property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, unless all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The person is fourteen or fifteen years of age and holds a valid probationary motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, or the person is sixteen years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver’s license issued under Chapter 4506. or a driver’s license issued under Chapter 4507. of the Revised Code or a valid motorized bicycle license issued after the person has passed the test provided for in this section, except that if a person is sixteen years of age, has a valid probationary motorized bicycle license and desires a motorized bicycle license, the person is not required to comply with the testing requirements provided for in this section;

(2) The motorized bicycle is equipped in accordance with the rules adopted under division (B) of this section and is in proper working order;

(3) The person, if under eighteen years of age, is wearing a protective helmet on the person’s head with the chin strap properly fastened and the motorized bicycle is equipped with a rear-view mirror.

(4) The person operates the motorized bicycle when practicable within three feet of the right edge of the roadway obeying all traffic rules applicable to vehicles.

(B) The director of public safety, subject to sections 119.01 to 119.13 of the Revised Code, shall adopt and promulgate rules concerning protective helmets, the equipment of motorized bicycles, and the testing and qualifications of persons who do not hold a valid driver’s or commercial driver’s license. The test shall be as near as practicable to the examination required for a motorcycle operator’s endorsement under section 4507.11 of the Revised Code. The test shall also require the operator to give an actual demonstration of the operator’s ability to operate and control a motorized bicycle by driving one under the supervision of an examining officer.

(C) Every motorized bicycle license expires on the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year after the date it is issued, but in no event shall any motorized bicycle license be issued for a period longer than four years.

(D) No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized bicycle.

(E) The protective helmet and rear-view mirror required by division (A)(3) of this section shall, on and after January 1, 1985, conform with rules adopted by the director under division (B) of this section.

(F) Each probationary motorized bicycle license or motorized bicycle license shall be laminated with a transparent plastic material.

(G) Whoever violates division (A), (D), or (E) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Sounds to me like all we in Ohio need is a valid drivers license and a helmet if under 18.

deacon · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 07:39 AM

So you don't need a helmet if you are over eighteen?

**CRUISER** · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 07:52 AM

i would say no but not positive because ohio is one of the states you don't need a helmet to ride a motorcycle if 18 or older

**Bikeguy Joe** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 05:14 PM

No helmet in Ahia if you are over 18. You still need one on a motorcycle if you have your temporary permit, but after you get your full license, you aren't required to wear one.

deacon · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2008, 08:07 PM

I probably would anyway on a motorcycle. I should even on the electric bikes but I like the knit cap lol.

UVsaturated · #6 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 04:20 AM

So lay it out for me BikeGuy Joe!

DO you need any sort of license or registration for a motorized bicycle if you are over 18?

**Bikeguy Joe** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 05:54 AM

As I read it, and I have read it several times, you need a valid drivers license if you are over 18. Or a motorized bicycle license...I think that's a moped license. But if you have a valid Ohio drivers license for your car, you should be good to go.

I think the only reason you have to have that much is to keep the DUI guys off the motorized bicycles.

I have had no problems, and don't anticipate any. I kkep a copy of the first post in my wallet so if I ever do get hassles, I can show them that and we can have a roadside debate.

UVsaturated · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 06:24 AM

Whats funny is; my ex rides an electric scooter. It's actually an electric bike, because it has pedals or at least a place for them, and is under the prescribed wattage. But it looks more like something you would need a registration.

She rode it downtown (Dayton) and two bicycle cops hassled her, to which she defended her scooter as being a legal motorized bike, and the cops said no!

But they didn't write her a citation because - well they probably weren't sure themselves. What's funny is that both the bicycle cops were on Trek mountain bikes with assisting motors, which is basically the same thing.

The bottom line in all this is the state doesn't want to lose any of your money in registrations, licenses, and gasoline taxes, which is why they make it difficult to do anything that falls inbetween riding a bicycle and riding something that burns gasoline.

I think it's ridiculous. Some people like these motorized bikes as toys, but some are seriously considering using them as alternate transportation for short commutes to save gas, which is sensible. Yet the state wishes to try to make their dime off it.

Good grief.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2008, 05:26 PM

I live in BFE, so I don't have too many cop hassles. I still carry a copy of the code with me at all times.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-28-2008, 04:34 PM

Bumping this upon request....