Zachary Krueger
eSomethin staff
E-bikes are everywhere – on the streets, sidewalk, and in the parks. Here’s what you need to know about the e-bike crisis.
A person riding on a regular pedal bike can typically ride anywhere from 10-18 mph; however, e-bikes (class 3) can travel 28-30 mph over the 25 mph speed limit of downtown Perrysburg.
Greg Cole, the resource officer at Perrysburg High School, explains the rules and laws behind the e-bikes. Cole said that the new registration on e-bikes isn’t anything new but instead renewing an old policy and fixing it to be better.
“What the e-bike registration does is it gives us an opportunity then to confirm that, yes, the bike is appropriate for the rider, [and] it’s in good working order…” Cole said.
Cole also explained the procedures that go behind stopping someone from using their e-bikes.
If police officers see someone zigg-zagging across the street or speeding, they pull them aside, give them a pamphlet on the rules, and explain to the rider what they did wrong and give them a warning. However, if the riders try to run away from the cops, they will give out a citation to the riders.
Class three e-bikes are supposed to be ridden on private property.
Cole said, “Be responsible with an e-bike. You wouldn’t tear around town in a car when you get your license, so don’t tear around town in an e-bike.”
Eli Lindsey, an e-bike owner who is a junior at Perrysburg High School, says that e-bikes are a good way to get around quickly.
“Yeah it’s pretty nice, especially if you get one with pedals because then if it dies you can just ride it like a normal bike,” Lindsey said.
“E-bikes could also be a great way to move around town if you don’t want to waste money on gas,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey believes that people who use the ebikes safely get a bad reputation with the community because of people who dont know how to use it appropriately.
Lindsey also believes that e-bikes are worth it to buy but is ultimately up to the person and what they are looking for; either working out, or just cruising.
If you use an e-bike, make sure you follow the street laws, and don’t be reckless with the bike. If you use the bikes responsibly there will be no problems with any law enforcement or your community.
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