On June 10, 2026, at approx. 1149 pm, Officer Brett Reifsnyder was on patrol when he observed (2) E-bikes being operated on E. Conestoga Street around N. Railroad Ave in New Holland Borough. Officer Reifsnyder followed the E-bikes which he observed weaving in and out of traffic. Officer Reifsnyder was able to conduct a traffic stop with both E-bikes at the intersection of N. Kinzer Ave and E. Spruce Street in New Holland Borough. Officer Reifsnyder found that one E-bike was occupied by a single adult rider and the second E-bike was occupied by two juvenile riders. The adult rider, Jalena Perez, who is 18 years old was advised of the traffic laws and released. The juveniles were cited under the New Holland Borough ordinance for curfew, through District Judge Jonathan Heisse and released to an adult guardian.

As we are seeing an increasing number of E-bikes showing up on the roads, the West Earl Township Police would like to remind our residence of Pennsylvania’s regulations relating to E-bikes.

• Riders must be 16 years of age to legally operate an e-bike on a public roadway
• E-Bikes must weigh under 100 pounds, have operable pedals, feature a motor rated at 750 watts or less and not travel more than 20 miles per hour.
• Helmets are strictly required for any riders who are under 12 years of age, but everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a helmet.
• E-Bikes are generally permitted on roadways, bike lanes and tails that allow traditional bikes. However, E-scooters (which have no pedals) are largely illegal on public roads and sidewalks.

• E-Bike operators must follow the exact same traffic laws and rules as traditional bikes and motor vehicles.

The West Earl Township Police Department encourages everyone operating an E-bike, traditional bike or motor vehicle on the roadway to do so by following the rules of the road and doing it in a safe matter.