Pokemon Abilities

[Pokemon Professor]

This may come across as a goofy question but I am still pretty new to the game and have been playing casually with my girlfriend and a few friends.

But I'm a little confused on Pokemon Abilities. Can they be used from the bench?

Example, http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Eelektrik_(Noble_Victories_40) (Eelektrik NV)

Dynamotor is a pokemon ability, can it be used while he's on the bench?

Second question, do status conditions (Sleep, Paralyze, Confuse) affect the use of pokemon abilities? I understand that pokemon cannot use an attack, or an ability that has an energy symbol cost next to it, but do Pokemon Abilities fall into the category of an "attack" ?

Example from above, Can I use Dynamotor while asleep/paralyzed/confused? I know it seems like a goofy question, but I just want to know the precise ruling.
Thanks for the help!

 

[PokePop]

Unless its text states otherwise, Abilities can be used from the bench or from the Active position.
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Abilities are not attacks. A Pokemon can still use an Ability even if affected by a Special Condition, even Asleep or Paralyzed.

Note that not all Special Conditions prevent a Pokemon from using an Attack, either!
Only Asleep and Paralyzed prevent a Pokemon from attacking.
Confused means that you have to flip heads to successfully attack.
Poisoned and Burned don't effect attacking at all.