Bikes & e-Bikes

e-Bike Safety 

Electric Bikes — or e-Bikes — are bicycles with built-in electric motors and batteries that allow riders to travel faster and farther. They also assist with hills and headwinds. Safe practices are crucial when riding e-Bikes because of their higher speeds and weight compared to traditional bikes, which can lead to more severe injuries in accidents. 

Classifications & Safety Requirements 

e-Bikes are categorized into one of three classifications. You can find out what class e-Bike you have by referencing the manufacturer's label on the frame of the bike. 

  • Class 1 - Pedal assist only, no throttle control, 20 mph limit.   
    • If riding on sidewalk - motor CANNOT be engaged. 
    • If riding on the roadway - MUST obey all traffic laws (i.e., riding on the right side of the road, stopping at STOP signs, riding in single file, obeying traffic lights, using signals, etc.). 
    • If riding sunset to sunrise, a white light is required at the front of the bike, and red reflector and a red light are required at the back of the bike. 
  • Class 2 - Pedal assist and throttle control allowing riders to use the motor without pedaling, 20 mph limit.
    • If riding on sidewalk - motor CANNOT be engaged. 
    • If riding on the roadway - MUST obey all traffic laws (i.e., riding on the right side of the road, stopping at STOP signs, riding in single file, obeying traffic lights, using signals, etc.). 
    • If riding sunset to sunrise, a white light is required at the front of the bike, and red reflector and a red light are required at the back of the bike. 
  • Class 3 - Pedal assist and throttle control, 28 mph limit. 
    • Riders MUST be at least 16 years of age. 
    • Riders are REQUIRED to wear a helmet. 
    • Riders are REQUIRED to wear eye protection. 
    • If riding on sidewalk - motor CANNOT be engaged.
    • If riding on the roadway - MUST obey all traffic laws (i.e., riding on the right side of the road, stopping at STOP signs, riding in single file, obeying traffic lights, using signals, etc.).
    • If riding sunset to sunrise, a white light is required at the front of the bike, and red reflector and a red light are required at the back of the bike. 

Please wear your helmet and ride safe! 

Related Links 

Bike Licenses

City of Avon Lake bicycle licenses are FREE and are non-expiring. They help police return bicycles to their owner easily if a bicycle is lost or stolen.

Licenses can be obtained from the Avon Lake Police Department at the Records Desk or Dispatch window in the Police Department lobby. Please bring your bicycle’s make, model, and serial number with you.

The Police Department recovers many bicycles each year, and many go unclaimed. Often when bicycles are stolen, the thieves will abandon the bike when they are done with it. After the required waiting period, the police department donates any unclaimed bicycles to non-profit organizations.

One of the most important things to do to prevent your bicycle from being stolen is to lock your bike, even if you are only going to be away from it for a short period of time. When you lock your bicycle, the lock should be placed around the frame of the bike and then to the rack. The bike rack should be in a well-lit area to help deter opportunity to a potential thief.