374.04 RESTRICTIONS ON OPERATION.
   (a)   A person operating a motorized bicycle shall not ride other than upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto and meeting the specifications promulgated by the Ohio Director of Highway Safety.
   (b)   A person shall ride upon a motorized bicycle only while sitting astride the seat facing forward with one leg on each side of the motorized bicycle.
   (c)   No person operating a motorized bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.
   (d)   No motorized bicycle shall be operated with any part of the handlebars more than fifteen inches above that portion of the seat occupied by the operator when the seat is fully depressed.
   (e)   Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to one predicate motor vehicle or traffic offense, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If, within one year of the offense, the offender previously has been convicted of two or more predicate motor vehicle or traffic offenses, whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.