Avon Lake, Ohio Grapples with E-Bike Safety Concerns

Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Kristina

E-bikes are fast. They’re quiet. And in Avon Lake, Ohio they’re starting to raise eyebrows.

You’ve probably seen them zipping by. No engine noise. Just a sudden blur on the sidewalk or street. For some, they’re exciting. For others, they’re infuriating.

With school out and summer kicking in, complaints are rolling in. Avon Lake City Council is hearing a lot from residents about close calls—fast-moving bikes nearly hitting walkers, joggers, and even cars.

So far, there haven’t been any major accidents. But there have been plenty of “near misses,” according to Council Member Dave Kos, who chairs the Public Safety and Health Committee.

“We’re hearing about e-bikes more and more,” said Kos. “People are riding them without following the rules. They’re cutting through traffic, ignoring stop signs, and speeding past pedestrians.”

And it’s not just an Avon Lake problem. Cities across the country are facing the same challenge: people using e-bikes without understanding the rules—or ignoring them altogether.

The Problem? Speed and Silence.

E-bikes are nearly silent. That’s part of their appeal. But it’s also what makes them dangerous. One second, you’re walking down the sidewalk. The next, a bike’s flying past you at almost 30 mph.

“It’s scary,” said one resident. “You don’t hear them coming. You don’t see them until they’re right next to you.”

The city says the issue isn’t just how fast they go—it’s how they’re being used. Riders are running red lights. Blowing through parking lots. Dodging cars. Some are even riding on sidewalks, which puts pedestrians directly at risk.

Rules Exist—But Who Knows Them?

Ohio does have laws for e-bikes. There are three classes of them:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, max speed 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle-assisted, also capped at 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal-assist, but can go up to 28 mph—these are the most heavily regulated.

Class 3 riders are supposed to wear helmets, use lights at night, and follow stricter rules. But many people don’t even know what class of e-bike they have.

Kos says the bigger issue is education. “There’s just a huge lack of understanding,” he explained. “No one is teaching the rules. And there’s no required training or license.”

While Avon Lake requires a bike license for regular bikes, there’s nothing similar for e-bikes right now. Kos believes that might need to change.

What’s the City Doing?

Despite the concerns, Avon Lake isn’t banning e-bikes. That’s off the table.

“We’re not going down that path,” Kos said. “We want people to enjoy them. They look like a lot of fun. But we need people to be safe and smart about it.”

That means educating both riders and non-riders about what’s legal—and what’s not. Kos said it’s important to remember that it’s not just teens out there. Many adults use e-bikes too, including older residents who rely on them to get around more easily.

“Adults tend to follow the rules better,” Kos added. “But everyone—young or old—needs to know the laws.”

The Bottom Line

E-bikes aren’t going anywhere. But Avon Lake is watching closely.

The city wants to find a balance—keeping people safe without taking the joy out of riding. If you own an e-bike, or plan to buy one, now’s the time to brush up on the rules.

Ride smart. Ride safe. And respect the road—and the people on it.

Thinking about getting an e-bike? Make sure you know the rules—your safety (and others’) depends on it. Share this post to help spread awareness in your community.

For more news on electric bikes click here

RELATED CONTENT

• Salt Lake City Revs Up E-Bike Incentive Program to Reduce Traffic and Boost Sustainability
• Federal Officials Greenlight E-Bikes on Lake Tahoe Trails: A New Era of Outdoor Adventure
• Company Responds to Columbus, Ohio’s New E-Bike Provider
• E-Bikes vs. Tradition: How the Amish Are Navigating the Future of Mobility
• Denver Proposes New Rules for E-Bikes and Scooters

Photo credit via city of Avon Lake