Rule 1501:46-13-05 | Motor vehicles, bicycles, and personal mobility devices.
(A) Except as authorized in writing by the area manager, it is unlawful to:
(1) Operate any motor vehicle, golf cart, bicycle, motorized bicycle, or electric bicycle within any area administered by the division except on such roads, driveways, and other such thoroughfares which are designated or posted for such purposes;
(2) Drive around any barrier or gate which is across a road, driveway, trail, or other thoroughfare;
(3) Drive upon any barricaded or closed road, driveway, trail or other thoroughfare;
(4) Operate any motor vehicle other than a bicycle, class 1 electric bicycle, class 2 electric bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized mobility assistance scooter on any paved path or shared-use path. Electric bicycles and other motorized devices may not be permitted on trails or paths where such restrictions are posted;
(5) Operate an electric bicycle, other than a class 1 electric bicycle on natural surface trails designated specifically as mountain bike trails.
(B) An individual who has a temporary or permanent medical condition, impairment, or disability that results in a non-ambulatory condition or other functional limitation restricting their ability to walk, operate a bicycle, or otherwise utilize paved paths or shared-use paths may use a motorized wheelchair, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized mobility assistance scooter.
(C) Use of golf carts
(1) Only golf carts equipped with all of the following are authorized for use on state park roadways:
(a) A functional and adequate braking system;
(b) A properly working steering mechanism;
(c) Tires of an appropriate size and construction for the specific vehicle configuration with adequate tread, which are free from visible damage or other indications of unsafe operating condition;
(d) A windshield that is undamaged and free of defects or obstructions that may interfere with the operator's view of the area in front of the vehicle;
(e) Adequate and operational headlights;
(f) Operational taillights including running lights and brake lights;
(g) Operational front and rear turn signals; and
(h) At least one rear view mirror capable of providing the operator with an unobstructed view of the area behind the vehicle.
(2) No golf cart may be operated on state park roadways unless all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The operator has a valid driver's license or permit that authorizes the operation of a motor vehicle on public roadways in this state under the provisions of Chapter 4507. of the Revised Code;
(b) The operator complies with all speed limits, traffic control devices, and signage;
(c) The vehicle is operated only on park roadways where the speed limit does not exceed thirty-five miles per hour;
(d) The owner carries valid and adequate liability insurance;
(e) All occupants maintain a seated position in manufacturer designated seating areas while in motion;
(f) The number of occupants does not exceed the manufacturer's recommended vehicle capacity;
(g) While in operation, all occupants are properly secured with seatbelts or other safety restraints, if the vehicle is so equipped.
Golf carts are only permitted to operate on roads, driveways, and other such thoroughfares which are intended for motor vehicle traffic. Golf carts are not permitted to operate on any unpaved area, on any state park roadway or driveway where restrictions are posted regarding the use of such vehicles, or on any trail, paved path or shared-use path.
It is unlawful for any person to operate or permit the operation of a golf cart in violation of this rule or any applicable state traffic laws and rules.
Any golf cart made available for public use at a state park golf course or a privately owned golf cart being used exclusively for activities directly associated with participating in golfing activities at a division golf course or driving range are exempt from the provisions of paragraph (C) of this rule.
(D) For the purposes of this rule;
(1) The term "motorized mobility assistance scooter" means a low-speed micromobility device with the following specifications:
(a) Is designed to carry a single person;
(b) Has a seat for the operator;
(c) Is manufactured with a fixed deck or foot plate;
(d) Travels on two wheels arranged in tandem or three wheels arranged with one front wheel and paired rear wheels;
(e) Is propelled by an electric motor;
(f) Weighs less than one hundred pounds; and
(g) Has an attainable speed on a paved level surface of not more than twenty miles per hour.
(2) The term "electric personal assistive mobility device" has the same meaning as provided in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code.
(3) The term "golf cart" means a vehicle conforming to the specifications of an "under-speed vehicle" provided in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code that is registered as a motor vehicle with the Ohio bureau of motor vehicles or an equivalent authority.
(4) The following terms have the same meanings as provided by the definitions in section 4511.01 of the Revised Code:
(a) "Motor vehicle"
(b) "Bicycle"
(c) "Motorized bicycle"
(d) "Electric bicycle"
(e) "Class 1 electric bicycle"
(f) "Class 2 electric bicycle"
(g) "Motorized wheelchair"
(h) "Low-speed micromobility device"
(i) "Shared-use path"
(5) "Paved path" means any path that has compacted crushed stone or another form of solid or semipermeable surface materials specifically intended to accommodate bicycles.
This rule does not prevent the use of a motorized wheelchair, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized mobility assistance scooter by a person who is non-ambulatory in any area open to the public except at golf courses where the area manager may limit or exclude their use for safety purposes or to prevent damage to sensitive turf areas.
Last updated May 21, 2026 at 7:44 AM
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