Ohio Bill Would Regulate E-Bikes and E-Scooters

State Senator Bill DeMora's proposal would set statewide registration, speed limits and age rules for micromobility devices.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a single upright electric scooter on a plain pale-gray ground, with clean flat color blocks and no visible text. — Ohio State Senator Bill DeMora introduced a bill requiring statewide registration, a $25 fee per device, and age and speed rules for e-bicycles and e-scooters. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Ohio require registration and fees for e-scooters and e-bikes?

Ohio Senator Bill DeMora introduced legislation establishing statewide regulations for e-bicycles and e-scooters. The bill would require owners to register devices with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for a $25 fee per device.

Why it matters

DeMora said the state needs one set of rules instead of different rules set by each local entity, citing the growing presence of e-scooters and bicycles in Columbus and related rider and pedestrian safety concerns. Current policies differ across jurisdictions, including Ohio State University, Upper Arlington and Grandview.

The bill sets a $25 registration fee per device and speed caps of 20 mph on public streets and highways, 10 mph on shared paths and 5 mph on sidewalks. It bars operators under 14 and excludes anyone under 18 from renting the devices.

The players

Bill DeMora

Ohio state senator who introduced the legislation to establish statewide e-bike and e-scooter regulations.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

State agency that would receive device registrations and issue certificates and stickers under the proposed bill.

The details

The bill would require owners to register e-bicycles and low-speed micromobility devices with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with proof of a driver's license or completion of a safety course. Local authorities would retain power to regulate or prohibit the devices on streets, paths and sidewalks, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety would develop a course for students without valid licenses.

Registration would be required six months after the bill's effective date.

Roadmap

The bill extends Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles registration model to micromobility devices, a category traditionally left to local ordinances. It would replace patchwork municipal rules with a single statewide standard for speed, age and registration.

If enacted, riders would need to register devices for $25 each and follow the 20, 10 and 5 mph speed caps depending on where they ride. Parents would need to ensure children under 14 do not operate e-bikes or e-scooters.

The takeaway

Riders across Ohio should watch for the bill's progress, since registration, speed limits and age rules could change how they use e-bikes and e-scooters. Checking local ordinances remains important until any statewide standard takes effect.