Ohio Admin. Code 1501:46-13-05 - [Effective 1/1/2025] Motor vehicles, bicycles, and personal mobility devices

(A) Except as authorized in writing by the area manager, it is unlawful to:

(1) Operate any motor vehicle, bicycle, motorized bicycle, or electric bicycle within any area administered by the division except on such roads, driveways, and other such thoroughfares which are designated or posted for such purposes,

(2) Drive around any barrier or gate which is across a road, driveway, trail, or other thoroughfare.

(3) Drive upon any barricaded or closed road, driveway, trail or other thoroughfare.

(4) Operate any motor vehicle other than a bicycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized mobility assistance scooter on any multi-use trail, paved path, or shared-use path. Electric bicycles and other motorized devices may not be permitted on trails or paths where such restrictions are posted.

(5) Operate an electric bicycle, other than a class 1 electric bicycle on natural surface trails designated specifically as mountain bike trails.

(B) An individual who has a temporary or permanent medical condition, impairment, or disability that results in a non-ambulatory condition or other functional limitation restricting their ability to walk, operate a bicycle, or otherwise utilize paved paths or multi-use trails shared-use paths may use a motorized wheelchair, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized mobility assistance scooter.

(C) For the purposes of this rule;

(1) The term "motorized mobility assistance scooter" means a low-speed micromobility device with the following specifications:

(a) Is designed to carry a single person,

(b) Has a seat for the operator,

(c) Is manufactured with a fixed deck or foot plate,

(d) Travels on two wheels arranged in tandem or three wheels arranged with one front wheel and paired rear wheels,

(e) Is propelled by an electric motor,

(f) Weighs less than one hundred pounds, and

(g) Has an attainable speed on a paved level surface of not more than twenty miles per hour.

(2) The term "electric personal assistive mobility device" has the same meaning as provided in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.

(3) The following terms have the same meanings as provided by the definitions in section 4511.01 of the Revised Code:

(a) "Motor vehicle"

(b) "Bicycle"

(c) "Motorized bicycle"

(d) "Electric bicycle"

(e) "Class 1 electric bicycle"

(f) "Class 2 electric bicycle"

(g) "Motorized wheelchair"

(h) "Low-speed micromobility device"

(i) "Shared-use path"

(4) "Paved path" means any path that has compacted crushed stone or another form of solid or semipermeable surface materials specifically intended to accommodate bicycles.

This rule does not prevent the use of a motorized wheelchair, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized mobility assistance scooter by a person who is non-ambulatory in any area open to the public except at golf courses where the area manager may limit or exclude their use for safety purposes or to prevent damage to sensitive turf areas.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 1501:46-13-05

Effective: 1/1/2025
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 2/15/2029
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1546.04
Rule Amplifies: 1546.02
Prior Effective Dates: 06/14/1975, 03/18/1988, 03/01/1996, 12/15/2014, 05/08/2020, 02/15/2024