Do You Know Twinsburg's E-Bike Rules?

Five quick questions. Find out if you're ready to ride legally.

Do you need to register your regular bicycle or e-bike with Twinsburg Police?

• Yes — both bikes AND e-bikes must register — Correct! Both standard bikes and e-bikes must be registered for free at the Twinsburg Police Department. This helps return stolen bikes to their owners.
• No — only e-bikes need to register — Not quite. The new rules require ALL bike and e-bike riders to register — not just e-bikes. Registration is free at Twinsburg PD.
• No — registration is optional — Actually, registration is now required under the new city rules. The good news: it's completely free at Twinsburg Police Department.

Who is required to wear a helmet when riding an e-bike in Twinsburg?

• Everyone, regardless of age — Close — but the current rule specifically targets riders under 18. Still, wearing a helmet at any age is strongly recommended for safety.
• Riders under 18 years old — That's right. Helmets are mandatory for e-bike users under 18 under Twinsburg's new rules. Adults are encouraged to wear one too.
• No one — helmets are just suggested — Incorrect. Helmets are legally required for e-bike riders under 18 in Twinsburg. Riding without one could result in consequences for parents or guardians.

What must riders do when parking their bike or e-bike in a public place?

• Lock it up — it's now required — Correct! The new rules require riders to lock their bikes or e-bikes when parked in a public place. This helps reduce theft and keeps public spaces tidy.
• Just leave it — no rule about parking — Not anymore. Twinsburg's new rules specifically require locking your bike or e-bike in public spaces. Failure to do so could lead to impoundment.
• Notify police before leaving it — No need to call police — just lock it up! The rule requires locking bikes and e-bikes when parked publicly.

What happens if someone tries to register a stolen bike with Twinsburg Police?

• Nothing — police can't verify ownership — Wrong. The new rules include specific penalties for anyone who attempts to register a stolen bike. The registration system is designed to catch this.
• There are penalties under the new rules — Correct. Twinsburg's ordinance includes penalties for anyone who tries to register a known stolen bike — helping crack down on bike theft in the community.
• The bike is confiscated but no penalties apply — Partial credit — the bike situation would be addressed, but the rules go further: there are actual penalties for attempting to register a stolen bike.

What can Twinsburg Police do with an impounded bike that nobody claims?

• Destroy it — Nope. Twinsburg's new rules give police the authority to auction off unclaimed bikes — not destroy them.
• Put it up for auction — That's right! If a bike or e-bike is impounded and not claimed by its owner, parent, or guardian, Twinsburg PD is allowed to auction it off.
• Donate it to a local school — Not under the current rules. Twinsburg PD is authorized to auction off unclaimed impounded bikes — proceeds typically benefit the city.

Twinsburg City Council voted Tuesday to adopt a new set of rules targeting electric bikes — responding to community concerns about dangerous speeds and a recent accident near a residential street.

Claudia Lillibridge, a Twinsburg resident, said she's looking forward to getting outside this summer but worries about fast-moving e-bikes. 'We had a relatively bad accident recently right up the street here, and I'm just concerned the kids are going a little bit too fast. Drivers can't accommodate them,' she told News 5.

I think education and communication is key, specific to the rules and regulations.Claudia Lillibridge, Twinsburg resident

How Twinsburg's E-Bike Rules Came Together

• Early 2025 — Federal 'Safe Speeds Act' introduced in U.S. Congress
• Spring 2025 — News 5 first reports on proposed federal e-bike class standards
• Recent — Accident near residential street raises community alarm in Twinsburg
• Tuesday — Twinsburg City Council passes new e-bike safety ordinance

The city's new rules cover a wide range of scenarios — from preventing theft to ensuring parked bikes don't clutter public spaces. Among the most notable changes: parents and guardians now face greater legal responsibility for minors who break the rules.

The ordinance also gives officers clear guidelines for when they can impound a bike or e-bike and who can claim it — the owner, a parent, or a guardian. Bikes that go unclaimed may be auctioned off.

E-Bike Rules: Before vs. After Tuesday's Vote

What Is the Federal 'Safe Speeds Act'?

While Twinsburg acts locally, a federal bill called the Safe Speeds Act is working its way through the U.S. Congress. If passed, the legislation would help establish clear national standards distinguishing between the three classes of electric bikes.

Currently, e-bike classes vary by speed and pedal-assist capability: Class 1 bikes top out at 20 mph with pedal assist only, Class 2 adds a throttle up to 20 mph, and Class 3 bikes can reach 28 mph. Clearer federal definitions could help cities like Twinsburg enforce rules more consistently — and help consumers understand what they're buying.

News 5 Cleveland first reported on the proposed federal standards earlier this year. The bill has not yet become law.

E-Bike Classes at a Glance

Lower Speed (Classes 1 & 2)

• 20 mph Top Speed Pedal-assist or throttle
• Suitable for most bike trails
• Lower injury risk at speed
• More widely permitted in parks

Higher Speed (Class 3)

• 28 mph Top Speed Pedal-assist only
• Often restricted from trails
• Faster than many expect
• More scrutiny from local governments

How to Get Compliant in Twinsburg

1. Register Your Bike — It's Free — Head to the Twinsburg Police Department and register any bike or e-bike you own. The process is free and takes just minutes.
2. Get a Helmet If You're Under 18 — If a rider in your household is under 18 and rides an e-bike, a properly fitted helmet is now required by law.
3. Buy a Good Bike Lock — Anytime you park in a public space, the bike must be locked. A U-lock or heavy-duty chain lock is your best bet.
4. Talk to Your Kids About Speed — The rules exist because e-bikes can travel fast enough to seriously injure riders and pedestrians. Have the conversation before summer rides start.
5. Stay Tuned on Federal Standards — The Safe Speeds Act could change how e-bikes are classified nationally. Watch for updates as the bill moves through Congress.

Register Your Bike in Twinsburg

• Twinsburg Police Department: Bring your bike information and register for free. Registration helps recover stolen bikes and is now required under the new city ordinance.
• Parents: Know the Rules: The new ordinance increases parental responsibility for minor riders. Make sure your kids are registered, helmeted, and locking up.
• Federal Bill Watch: The Safe Speeds Act would create national e-bike class standards. Monitor its progress through Congress for potential future changes to local rules.

Sources & References

• City of Twinsburg, Ohio — Official e-bike ordinance details including registration, helmet, and impoundment rules
• U.S. Congress / Safe Speeds Act — Proposed federal legislation establishing national e-bike class standards
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — E-bike class definitions (Class 1, 2, 3) by speed and pedal-assist capability
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — Bicycle and e-bike safety guidelines, helmet recommendations by age