Bikes, E-Bikes, Pedalcycles, & Scooters
MICROMOBILITY LAWS IN PENNSYLVANIA
A Guide to E-Bikes, Scooters & Similar Devices
West Manchester Township Police Department
KNOW YOUR DEVICE
| Device | Street Legal? | License? | Registration? | Helmet? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | ✔ | No | No | Under 12 |
| E-Bike | ✔ | No | No | Minimum age 16 |
| Motorized Pedalcycle | ✔ | Class C | No | Not required |
| Motor Scooter | ✔ | Class C or M | Yes | Under 21 (with exceptions) |
| Electric Scooter | ❌ Usually No | N/A | N/A | Recommended |
This summarizes the distinctions reflected in the PennDOT guidance.
Bicycle
- Human-powered
- May ride in bike lanes
- May use many sidewalks
- Yield to pedestrians
- Front light and rear reflector required after dark
- Helmets required under age 12
- DUI laws still apply
E-Bikes
- Must have operable pedals
- Maximum motor 750 watts
- Maximum motor-only speed 20 MPH
- Operator must be at least 16
- Same rules as bicycles
- DUI laws apply
Motorized Pedalcycles
Examples:
- Gas mopeds
- Electric mopeds
Requirements
- Minimum age 16
- Class C driver's license
- Cannot use limited-access highways
- Maximum speed 25 MPH
- DUI laws apply
Motor Scooters
Examples
- Honda Metropolitan
- Genuine Buddy
- Vespa-type scooters
Requirements
- Registration required
- Insurance required
- License required
- Helmet required for riders under 21 (subject to statutory exceptions)
- Passenger restrictions
- Lights required
- DUI laws apply
Electric Scooters
Not specifically recognized by Pennsylvania Vehicle Code
This means they generally cannot legally be operated on Pennsylvania highways, including roads, sidewalks, or bike lanes, unless Pennsylvania law changes.
Did You Know?
✔ DUI laws can apply to many micromobility devices—not just cars.
✔ Helmets are always the safest choice, even when not legally required.
✔ Lights are required when operating after dark on devices where specified by law.
Common Misconceptions
MYTH
"Electric scooters are legal anywhere."
FACT
Pennsylvania law does not specifically define electric scooters. Devices not defined in the Vehicle Code generally may not be legally operated on roads, bike lanes, or sidewalks.
MYTH
"You can't get a DUI on an e-bike."
FACT
Pennsylvania DUI laws may apply to bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and many other micromobility devices.
Helpful Tips
- Wear a helmet.
- Be visible after dark.
- Obey traffic signals.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Ride predictably.
- Never operate while impaired.
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West Manchester Township Police Department
"Committed to Education • Enforcement • Community Safety"
See also PennDOT publication PUB 944 (6-26)
