Do YOU know the difference between a bicycle, E-bike, E-dirt bike or motorized pedalcycles in PA??? 

While all these things are great fun to ride, there are a few GOLDEN RULES to know: 

🚨Is your bike legal in Pa and where can you legally ride it?!? 🚨

Pa has one single definition for a legal e-bike (Pedacycle with electric assist). To ride legally without a license, registration or insurance, your bike MUST meet these 4 criteria:

1. Weight: must weigh less than 100 lbs.   

2. Power: Motor must be 750 watts or less.

3. Pedals: You must be able to pedal it manually

4. Speed: The motor must stop assisting at 20 mph

   *** If your bike exceeds those limits, it may legally be considered a motor vehicle in Pa and require registration and licensing! A throttle does not automatically make an e-bike illegal in PA. The real question is whether the bike fits the state's limits and where you use the throttle. 

⚠️Where can you ride in PA??⚠️

Since your legal e-bike (as defined above) is treated as a bicycle:

Roads: just like bicycles, you can ride on the road with traffic and must obey all traffic rules.

Trails: Allowed on PA DCNR trails that permit bikes. Please check park rules if going to a local PARK.

Sidewalks: Generally allowed EXCEPT in business districts (downtown areas) or where signage prohibits bikes

*** It should be noted that on non-motorized trails- riders must pedal to move the bike. Using the throttle alone is NOT allowed. 

🛑WHO CAN RIDE? Is the other big questions. Parents- please pay attention to this!🛑

Minimum Age: you must be 16 yrs or older to ride an E-bike on public roads

Helmets: Mandatory for anyone under 12- but a 12 yr old can NOT ride on public roads. For ages 16+, helmets are optional but highly recommended!

Headphones: You cannot wear headphones or earbuds in both ears. keep one ear open for traffic.

Is a Motorized Pedalcycle, as defined in the Vehicle Code, an e-bike?

No. Pennsylvania law defines a "motorized pedalcycle" (moped) as a bike with a small gas or electric motor, automatic transmission, and a top speed of 25 mph. Mopeds and motor scooters are not considered bikes or e-bikes and are not allowed on Pa roads unless you meet the requirements of license, insurance, registration and equipment standards. 

Bicycle Safety and PA Laws

🚓 Electric Scooters

Pennsylvania law is quite strict when it comes to electric scooters on public roads. The Commonwealth considers them vehicles, meaning they are not exempt from titling and registration requirements as set forth by PennDOT and would be required to pass equipment standards and inspection requirements. However, most electric scooters don’t have the necessary equipment (like turn signals and mirrors) to meet these registration and inspection requirements. This effectively makes them illegal to ride on Pennsylvania roads.

Sidewalk Use On Electric Scooters:

You might think sidewalks are a safer option, but Pennsylvania law also prohibits electric scooters on sidewalks - Title 75 – Section 3703

Confusion  - Electric scooters are often mistaken for an Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device or EPAMD.  An EPAMD is defined by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code as a self-balancing, two-non-tandem-wheeled device designed to transport only one person with an electric propulsion system.  As electric scooters are tandem non-self-balancing, they do not fit this definition.

Where Can I Legally Ride An Electric Scooter:

The primary place you can legally ride your electric scooter in Pennsylvania is on private property. If you have a large yard, or obtain permission from a landowner, you can use your scooter there. Most public parks prohibit motorized vehicles; meaning scooters cannot be ridden in public parks. Stay Informed It’s important to be aware that rules and regulations about electric scooters can change.

⚠️ E-Dirt Bikes FAQ:

Where can I operate an Electric Dirt Bike? On private property or trails that allow motorized vehicles. 

How is an electric dirt bike different from an E-Bike / Scooter? The electric dirt bikes are specifically designed for off-road use only. They exceed the restrictions on MPH.

Can I register my E-dirt bike? NO, They can not be registered in Pennsylvania as they do not have Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). If they cannot be registered, then they cannot be legally ridden on the roads. 

Can I register my motorized dirt bike or ATV? Yes, with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) HOWEVER these vehicles can NOT legally be driven on public roadways.

 How do I know if it's an e-bike or something else? See the PennDOT Micromobility Fact Sheet stated regulations for each category.

SARPD officers have the discretion of issuing a citation or a warning when enforcing the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. If stopped for operating one of these vehicles/bikes on the roadway or sidewalk, you may be issued a citation that incurs a fine and bikes can be impounded for specific reasons.