Community Guide: Electric Bikes, Electric Scooters & Electric Motorcycles, Safety Information and the PA Law
Community Guide:
Electric Bikes, Electric Scooters & Electric Motorcycles in South Heidelberg Township, Wernersville Borough, Robesonia Borough and Heidelberg Township
Electric bikes, electric scooters and electric motorcycles are popular, eco-friendly ways to get around. To keep our community safe on shared roads and sidewalks, the South Heidelberg Police Department has created this page to help you navigate Pennsylvania’s regulations.
Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
In Pennsylvania, e-bikes that meet specific rules are treated just like traditional bicycles. If they don't meet these rules, they are considered motor vehicles and require licensing and registration.
Does Your E-Bike Qualify as a Bicycle?
To be legally regulated as a bicycle, your e-bike must meet all of the following:
- Motor Power: 750 Watts or less.
- Speed: Max 20 mph using only the motor.
- Weight: 100 pounds or less.
- Pedals: Must have fully operable pedals.
- Wheels: 2 or 3 wheels (at least 11 inches in diameter).
Note: Devices exceeding these limits (like e-dirt bikes) are treated as mopeds or motorcycles and require insurance and registration.
E-Bike Quick Rules at a Glance
| Requirement | PA Legal Status |
| Driver's License | Not required for a compliant e-bike. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike. |
| Registration / Title | Not required. |
| Insurance | Not required. |
| Minimum Age | Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike. |
| Helmets | Legally required only for riders under age 12 (though since e-bike operation requires age 16+, helmets are optional by state law, but highly recommended). |
Safe Riding Locations
- Roads & Bike Lanes: Allowed where regular bikes are. You must obey all traffic signals and ride with traffic.
- Sidewalks: Generally allowed, but strictly prohibited in business districts.
- State Trails: Pedal-assist is allowed; throttle-only use is often prohibited on non-motorized trails.
- Night Riding: Use a white front light (visible from 500 ft) and a red rear reflector.
Electric Scooters (E-Scooters)
E-scooters are different! Under current PA law, most e-scooters are classified as "motor-driven cycles." Because they lack equipment like mirrors or turn signals, their use is more restricted.
Where Can You Ride E-Scooters?
✅ YES: Private property (driveways and yards).
❌ NO: Public roads, neighborhood streets, or town sidewalks.
E-Scooter Top Safety Tips
- Solo Only: One person per scooter to maintain balance and stopping power.
- Wear Gear: We highly recommend helmets and bright clothing.
- Stay Aware: Watch for pedestrians and vehicles at all times.
Electric Motorcycles (E-Motorcycles)
- License: The operator must possess a valid Class M (Motorcycle) driver's license.
- Registration & Title: The vehicle must be formally titled and registered with PennDOT, displaying a valid license plate.
- Insurance: The operator must carry active motorcycle liability insurance.
- Safety Inspections: The vehicle must meet federal safety standards (including DOT-compliant turn signals, headlights, horn, and mirrors) and pass annual safety inspections.
- Riding Locations: E-motorcycles are strictly prohibited on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or recreational trails. They must be ridden only on public roadways as motor vehicles.
Our Commitment to Safety
The South Heidelberg Police Department prioritizes education. If we see a rider in an unsafe area, we’ll stop to chat about the laws and safety. However, reckless riding that endangers others may result in citations. Let’s work together to keep South Heidelberg safe!
Questions?
To report unsafe riding, call Berks County Non-Emergency at 610-655-4911. For legal specifics, consult the latest PennDOT regulations.
Let’s work together to make this a safe and happy summer for our whole community!
