Electric bikes see jolt in sales

CELINA- As electric bikes continue to pedal their way up the ranks in transportation technology, riders should be aware of proper safety precautions associated with e-bike operation.

During COVID-19, bike sales rose drastically as people were searching for an activity outside of their homes.

E-bike sales in March 2020 alone increased by 85%, per market research company NPD Group.

"They just weren't as available before that," Bike Hub owner Rich McNaughton said. "Now it seems like you can go online and buy an e-bike for $600 or $7000. There's a big jump to the e-bike market in the bicycle industry."

McNaughton, of Celina, said he sees two main age groups flock to the e-bike.

He said younger ages that aren't old enough to have a driver's license float towards these bikes more as opposed to a moped because the use of an e-bike does not require a license.

McNaughton also sees older generations come in because they "still enjoy the bike, but they may have health restraints that may not let them stay on a traditional bicycle as long."

Before purchasing any sort of micromobility device, consumers should be aware of the increased risk of injury.

According to a news release from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), micromobility device-related injuries "have trended upward since 2017, increasing an estimated average 23% annually."

The CPSC release states that collisions with motor vehicles and control issues are the leading hazards for e-bike related injuries.

The commission recommends riders wear a bicycle helmet, examine the bike before riding, make sure they see and are seen by vehicles and remain aware of obstacles.

Another way e-bikers can lower their risk for injury is by adhering to the laws set by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

ODOT classifies e-bikes into three groups. Class one bikes provide electric assistance only when the rider is pedaling and until the bike reaches 20 mph. Class two bikes offer electric assistance even when a rider is not pedaling but ceases such assistance once the bike reaches 20 mph. Class three bikes provide electric assistance only the rider is pedaling until a speed of 28 mph is reached.

People under the age of 16 are not permitted by Ohio law to operate Class three e-bikes, and all e-bike riders must wear a helmet, according to ODOT.

Although e-bikes are often viewed as a more easily accessible version of a moped, ODOT states "e-bikes should not be confused with motorized bicycles or mopeds, although they are both vehicles under Ohio law."

E-bikes are considered a vehicle, so riders are only allowed to ride them on sidewalks when the motor is not engaged, per ODOT.

Class one and two e-bikes are allowed on bike lanes or shared paths unless local laws prohibit these classes of e-bikes on certain paths. Similarly, class three e-bikes are not allowed on these types of paths unless permitted by local authorities.

In addition to these recommendations, Celina Police Chief Tom Wale said that e-bikes "are just as dangerous if not more so than mopeds."

He recommended the same safety precautions that are used when operating a moped are used when operating an e-bike.

"I think people look at them more as a recreational thing and not as a vehicle," he said. "They can be hurt or killed just as quick on an electric bike as on a motorcycle."

Chief Wale also said that it's best not to ride e-bikes on main roads where speed limits are 35 mph or higher and stressed that all traffic laws and safety rules must be followed when operating an e-bike.

He added that e-bike riders should know that their bike is a motor vehicle and "can get a ticket just like somebody driving a car or moped or motorcycle."

Wale said it's safe for e-bike riders to be on the bike path as long as they are paying attention to pedestrians. Although Ohio law may permit certain classes of e-bikes be ridden on sidewalks, Celina law holds that it is "not properly legal" to ride an e-bike on the sidewalks out of respect for pedestrian safety.

Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel agreed that it is not safe for e-bikes to be ridden on the sidewalks.

E- bikes may be permitted for street use, but electric skateboard and scooters are not.

"We enforce all those scooters and skateboards as not being legal on the street. There is a section in the city ordinance that covers that," Wale said.

Hazel said that he did not foresee legislation related to e-bikes in the future because Celina does not have bike lanes like other larger city do.

Since e-bikes are not licensable and there are no bike lanes, Hazel agreed with Chief Wale's tips for riding an e-bike safely around town.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.