(4-12-24) Coldwater Police have received multiple calls the last couple of weeks in regards to teenagers that have placed gasoline engines on their bicycles and are operating them in town. Due to the amount of calls we have received and the contacts we have made with some of these individuals. CPD had put some information together regarding the laws on these motorized bicycles.

Any bicycle that moves under its own power, without being pedaled, with an engine under 50cc, is classified as a “motorized bicycle” or moped under Ohio law.

No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a roadway, sidewalk 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:

  • The person is fourteen or fifteen years of age and holds a valid probationary motorized bicycle license or the person is sixteen years of age or older and holds either a valid commercial driver’s license or a valid driver’s license
  • The motorized bicycle is equipped with a valid registration and is in proper working order.
  • The person, if under eighteen years of age, must wear a protective helmet
  • The motorized bicycle must be equipped with a rear-view mirror.
  • The person operates the motorized bicycle when practicable within three feet of the right edge of the roadway
  • The person must obey all traffic rules applicable to vehicles.
  • No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry another person upon the motorized bicycle.

This does not include regular bicycles or electric bicycles. Electric bicycles and regular bicycles still need to obey all traffic rules applicable to vehicles.

The concern is for the safety of those operating the motorized bicycles and the public who may come into contact with them. Anyone operating a motorized bicycle illegally may be cited.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Coldwater Police Department at 419-678-2356.