Things To Do on an eBike in Marion County, OH
Marion County's main ride is the Marion Tallgrass Trail, 12.44 miles from the Holland Road trailhead just west of Marion to the Hardin County line on the former Erie-Lackawanna railroad.
It passes a 53-acre lake, Big Island Wildlife Area, Espyville and DeCliff, and runs through a tunnel under Riley Road.
Where to ride in Marion County
The Marion County Park District runs the Tallgrass Trail. It is the one long trail in the county covered by this guide.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Marion Tallgrass Trail, Holland Road to the Hardin County line
The Marion County Park District says the trail reached the Hardin County line in late 2017, 12.44 miles from the eastern trailhead at 2093 Holland Road West. In the first mile it follows the shore of a 53-acre lake, where the district notes trumpeter swans, bald eagles and a beaver lodge. It then crosses SR 203 into Big Island Wildlife Area, passes Espyville, runs a mile north of New Bloomington, enters DeCliff, crosses SR 37, and goes through a tunnel under Riley Road before the last 1.4 miles to the county line.
Parking: Mile 0 at the paved Holland Road trailhead; mile 0.9 on Herr Road at Foundation Lake; mile 1.75 at a grassy ODNR lot on SR 203; mile 3.7 at Espyville Baptist, 805 Espyville Rd N, when church is not in session; and mile 8.4 at a 19-car paved lot in DeCliff, 1011 Decliff Rd N, LaRue.
eBike access: The park district bars horses and motor vehicles, except motorized wheelchairs, and its trail page does not mention eBikes. Ohio law does not treat eBikes as motor vehicles. Ask the park district before riding.
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: Start at Holland Road and ride to the DeCliff lot at mile 8.4, or turn earlier at Espyville, and return.
Full day: Ride the whole trail from Holland Road to the Hardin County line and back, about 25 miles.
What not to ride in Marion County
The trail after dusk. The park closes 30 minutes after sunset.
The church lot during services. Espyville Baptist allows trail parking only when church is not in session.
A Class 3 eBike on the trail. Ohio law allows Class 3 on paths only next to a highway or where the manager allows it.
When to ride Marion County
Ride in daylight, since the park closes at dusk. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed, so expect walkers with pets and pass with care.
eBike shops and repair
The cards below are Pedal & Power Bicycles in Prospect, listed as an electric bicycle store, and Rocky's Cyclery & Fitness in Marion. Call ahead about eBike service.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Marion Tallgrass Trail?
12.44 miles, from 2093 Holland Road West to the Hardin County line, per the Marion County Park District.
Where can I park for the Tallgrass Trail?
At the Holland Road trailhead, Herr Road at Foundation Lake, an ODNR lot on SR 203, Espyville Baptist when church is not in session, and a paved lot in DeCliff.
Are eBikes allowed on the Marion Tallgrass Trail?
The park district bars motor vehicles and does not mention eBikes. Ohio law does not class eBikes as motor vehicles, so ask the district.
What are the Tallgrass Trail hours?
The park closes at dusk, 30 minutes after sunset.
Are dogs allowed on the Tallgrass Trail?
Yes, on a leash, and you must pick up their waste.
What railroad did the trail replace?
The former Erie-Lackawanna railroad, abandoned in 1976.
Where can I get an eBike serviced in Marion County?
The cards on this page list Pedal & Power Bicycles in Prospect and Rocky's Cyclery & Fitness in Marion. Call ahead about eBike work.
All eBike shops in Marion County
See the Marion County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Ohio eBike laws guide for state rules.