With the growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, the New Castle Police Department has seen a significant increase in violations involving these vehicles. This has also increased the potential risk to both riders and the general public.

Due to these concerns, the New Castle Police Department will begin strictly enforcing the laws pertaining to e-bikes, e-scooters, mini-bikes, motor bikes, etc.  Violators may be cited, and in certain circumstances, the bicycle or scooter may be impounded.

Additionally, when permitted by state law, motor bikes may be seized and may not be returned to the owner.

Our goal is to ensure that riders understand the laws and operate these vehicles safely and legally. To help clarify the requirements for the public, we have included information outlining the applicable laws and regulations with this post.

Please take the time to review the information and make sure you understand the laws before operating these vehicles within the City of New Castle.

What Exactly Counts as a Legal E‑Bike in Pennsylvania

To be considered a pedalcycle with electric assist, an e‑bike must meet ALL of these requirements under 75 Pa.C.S. §102:

• ≤ 750‑watt motor — anything stronger is no longer an e‑bike under PA law.
• ≤ 20 mph motor‑only speed — if the bike can exceed 20 mph on motor power alone, it becomes a motor‑driven cycle requiring registration.
• ≤ 100 lb total weight — heavier bikes fall outside the definition.
• Operable pedals — if you can’t pedal it, it’s not an e‑bike legally.
• Two or three wheels over 11 inches in diameter — scooters and mini‑motos don’t qualify. 

If your bike fails ANY of these, it is NOT legally an e‑bike in Pennsylvania.

Who Can Ride & What’s Required

• Minimum age: 16+ — this is strictly enforced.
• No license, registration, or insurance— as long as the bike meets the legal definition.
• Helmet rules — required only for riders under 12. Adults are not required to wear one. 

Where You Can Ride

Pennsylvania treats legal e‑bikes like bicycles:

• Sidewalks — allowed except in business districts or where prohibited.
• Bike lanes & roads — fully allowed.
• State parks & forests — allowed where bicycles are allowed, but no throttle‑only riding on non‑motorized trails.

What’s Not Street‑Legal (Even If It Has a Motor)

Many popular electric vehicles are NOT legal on public roads in PA.

These devices CANNOT be ridden on the street:

• E‑dirt bikes — too powerful, no pedals, no equipment.
• Mini‑motos / mini‑bikes — even if electric, they don’t meet pedalcycle requirements.
• Off‑road‑only e‑bikes or scooters — lack required equipment (lights, mirrors, brakes).
• Anything exceeding 20 mph motor‑only — becomes a motor‑driven cycle requiring registration.

Penalties & Enforcement Details

Riding a non‑legal vehicle on the road can lead to:

• Citations and fines — violations of pedalcycle laws are summary offenses.
• Vehicle impoundment — especially for off‑road dirt bikes used on streets.
• Court appearances — for more serious violations.
• Parents held responsible — if the rider is under 18.
• Forfeiture — off‑road bikes used illegally on streets may be seized.