The Perrysburg Police Division will require Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycle permits beginning Oct. 15. The new rule covers anyone using bicycle-only or shared-use trails throughout the city.
The requirement applies to all riders on those paths, including nonresidents. Registration is free. An in-person inspection is required to receive an official police sticker.
Police said the devices grew more popular across northwest Ohio. The city saw a rise in complaints. Officials received around 100 complaints since March, along with three minor crashes.
Brenton Duran is the deputy chief of the Perrysburg Police Division. He said safety is the main goal.
Yes, e-bikes in general have generated a lot of complaints throughout the city. Both by motorists, people who are out driving their cars around and having e-bikes dart out in front of them or ride recklessly, as well as pedestrians on the sidewalks have had complaints about e-bikes.
Visitors must follow the same rules as residents before riding on a shared-use path. People riding through Perrysburg are not exempt.
Safety is our main concern. We want riders and pedestrians to have a safe space to be able to walk and also ride and not have any collisions. And so the registration will allow us to easily identify bikes, Class 1 and Class 2, that are permitted on those multi-use paths.
Riders can access the registration form through the City of Perrysburg website. Officers will contact applicants to schedule the in-person inspection.
Riders under 15 can continue using sidewalks. Anyone 15 or older is restricted to paths or roadways. Riders under 18 on Class 1 or Class 2 models must wear a helmet on trails.
Parents must verify helmet use during registration. Class 3 models reach speeds up to 28 mph. These devices are banned from all trails and sidewalks.
Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old. They can operate only on roadways. Duran said there will be a 60-day grace period for sign-ups.
There is a 60-day grace period for registration of the bikes. And again, our main component is education. So we’re going to have a lot of conversations with the people and make sure that they understand what the new ordinance says.
Officers will focus on informing the public during this grace window. Education remains the primary objective. Police also said registering any bicycle makes it easier to locate if stolen.
Municipal police divisions enforce local traffic codes and maintain public order on city property. Shared-use paths accommodate pedestrians along with nonmotorized and low-speed transportation devices. Cities periodically update ordinances to manage evolving vehicle types on public rights-of-way.
The new rules take effect across Perrysburg paths on Thursday. The registration process remains open to the public through the municipal site.
