Things To Do on an eBike in Allen County, OH
Allen County has two park district trails worth an eBike outing. The Rotary Riverwalk and Ottawa River Bikeway follows the Ottawa River from Heritage Park in Shawnee Township through Lima to Ottawa Metro Park, and the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail runs on crushed limestone between Spencerville and Delphos.
Both are run by the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District (JAMPD), whose rules do not mention eBikes, so check with the district before you ride.
Where to ride in Allen County
Both rides below are Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District trails in Allen County, open dawn to dusk.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Rotary Riverwalk and Ottawa River Bikeway, Lima
JAMPD says the first phase was a 4.2-mile paved trail from Heritage Park in Shawnee Township northeast to the Collett Street Recreation Area in Lima. The route now connects Heritage Park through Lima to Ottawa Metro Park in Bath Township, after the connecting link was dedicated in July 2010. JAMPD lists it as approximately 8 miles in total length and part of U.S. Bicycle Route 25, with access to Lima's central business district, the YMCA and many parks, schools and neighborhoods.
eBike access: JAMPD's rules do not name eBikes. Rule 24.14 bars motorized vehicles not customarily registered with the Ohio BMV, while ORC 4511.01 does not treat eBikes as motor vehicles. Ask JAMPD how it applies the rule before riding.
2. Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Spencerville to Delphos
JAMPD enhanced the towpath between the Village of Spencerville and the City of Delphos under a long-term, no-cost lease from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It lists an 8-mile trail of crushed limestone, open dawn to dusk, for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and birders.
eBike access: The same JAMPD rules apply, so confirm with the district first.
Ohio eBike laws and route permission
Ohio Revised Code 4511.522 allows Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes on bike paths and shared-use paths unless the local authority or state agency in control prohibits them by resolution, ordinance or rule. A Class 3 eBike may use such a path only if it is within or next to a highway or the controlling authority allows it. No person under 16 may operate a Class 3, and every Class 3 needs a speedometer.
No class of eBike may use a path intended mainly for mountain biking, hiking or horses, or a natural-surface trail kept nonmotorized, unless the controlling authority allows it. ORC 4511.01 excludes electric bicycles from the definition of a motor vehicle. In Ohio state parks, the state parks rule allows Class 1 and Class 2 on paved and shared-use paths unless restrictions are posted, and allows only Class 1 on natural-surface trails designated as mountain bike trails.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the original 4.2-mile Riverwalk from Heritage Park to the Collett Street Recreation Area and back.
Full day: Ride the full Riverwalk and Ottawa River Bikeway from Heritage Park to Ottawa Metro Park and back, then add the 8-mile canal towpath near Spencerville in the afternoon.
What not to ride in Allen County
A JAMPD trail before you have checked its rules. The district's rules do not mention eBikes.
A Class 3 eBike on a path away from a road. Ohio law allows Class 3 only on paths within or next to a highway, or where the manager allows it.
Foot paths, bridle paths and natural areas. JAMPD rule 24.2 bars vehicles, including bicycles, from areas not intended for vehicle travel.
When to ride Allen County
Both trails are open dawn to dusk, per JAMPD. The towpath is crushed limestone, so wider tires help after rain.
eBike shops and repair
The cards below are Lima Cyclery & Fitness and Crankers Cycling in Lima and Bike Crazy in Bluffton. Call ahead about eBike service.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Rotary Riverwalk and Ottawa River Bikeway?
JAMPD lists it as approximately 8 miles, from Heritage Park in Shawnee Township through Lima to Ottawa Metro Park.
Is the Lima Riverwalk part of a U.S. Bicycle Route?
Yes. JAMPD says it is part of U.S. Bicycle Route 25.
Are eBikes allowed on Allen County park trails?
JAMPD's rules do not mention eBikes, so ask the park district before riding its trails.
What surface is the Miami and Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Allen County?
Crushed limestone, over about 8 miles between Spencerville and Delphos, per JAMPD.
What are the trail hours?
JAMPD lists both trails as open dawn to dusk.
Can I ride a Class 3 eBike on a bike path in Ohio?
Only if the path is within or next to a highway or the controlling authority allows it.
Where can I get an eBike serviced in Allen County?
The cards on this page list Lima Cyclery & Fitness and Crankers Cycling in Lima and Bike Crazy in Bluffton. Call ahead about eBike work.
All eBike shops in Allen County
See the Allen County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Ohio eBike laws guide for state rules.