Bikes & e-Bikes

e-Bike Safety 

Electric bikes — or e-bikes — are bicycles with built-in electric motors and batteries. Safe practices are crucial when riding e-bikes because of their higher speeds and weight compared to traditional bikes. 

e-Bike Classifications 

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 — Equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 MPH. No throttle control. 
  • Class 2 — Equipped with throttle control, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling and is not capable of providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 MPH. 
  • Class 3 — Equipped with throttle control, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 28 MPH.  

General Safety Requirements for All e-Bike Classifications 

  • Riders under 18 years old are REQUIRED to wear a helmet. 
  • When riding on the sidewalk, motor CANNOT be engaged. Riders must yield right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing. 
  • When riding on roadways, riders MUST obey all traffic laws. This means riding on the correct side of the road, stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals, and using hand signals when you want to make a turn, etc. Ride no more than two bikes side-by-side, however single-file is recommended. 
  • When riding at sunset or sunrise a white light is required at the front of the back and a red reflector and red light are required at the back of the bike. 

Additional Requirements for Class 3 e-Bike Riders 

  • Riders MUST be at least 16 years old. 
  • Riders are REQUIRED to wear eye protection. 

Related Links 

 Please wear your helmet and ride safe! 

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 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. If your bike has been lost or stolen, please contact us so we can check our found property logs.

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.