Pa Laws on E Bikes
The same traffic rules apply to e-bikes and human-powered bicycles. “I sell electric bikes and I`m wondering what`s the problem? What incidents occurred to cause the bill? ” said Tike Albright from A&S Bike Shop in Manheim. “Because you`re just making another bill that can`t be enforced.” The Pa. The House Transportation Committee held a hearing Wednesday to review legislation regulating e-bikes and e-bikes. Photo courtesy of A&S Bike Shop. Albright said he sells more than 100 e-bikes a year, with the vast majority of his customers over 65. He said he didn`t think they were “noisy” on the roads to justify the new proposal. E-bikes have a right to be on the road, but there needs to be a clear definition and distinction between what e-bikes are allowed and where they can be ridden in Pennsylvania. The national organization People For Bikes (P4B) has developed model legislation, which New Jersey has adopted, defines and regulates the different classes of e-bikes in the state`s vehicle code.
P4B believes Pennsylvania has “acceptable” legislation that regulates e-bikes like traditional bikes. All electric bikes in PA are considered the same as a conventional bike and the same traffic rules apply. E-bikes are not subject to the registration, registration or insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles. E-bikes are allowed wherever bicycles or “wheels” are allowed. E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, but restrictions may apply. Electric bicycles or “electric pedal bikes” are considered bicycles under Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. This does not apply to electric scooters. Q: Where are electric bikes allowed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey? E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks, but restrictions may apply. If in doubt, check local rules and regulations.
Rossman reminds us that electric bikes are just a bike. “You get as much movement as you want by limiting how often you use the power assist.” He said they have three or four levels of power to help a runner overcome steeper hills. The Bicycle Coalition opposes all policies and programs that remove access and ability to ride bicycles. Public policies regarding certain types of e-bicycles, issues such as licensing and registration, or restrictions and regulations on where e-bikes can ride, should be closely scrutinized so as not to impede bicycle use. But we need to recognize the dangerous speed issues these e-bikes are capable of, especially on trails, and find the best practices for controlling speeding to ensure the safety of all cyclists. The Bicycle Coalition agrees that e-bikes also have the right to use the road and should be treated consistently and fairly before the law. We also believe that laws based on vehicle classes are more difficult to implement and enforce. Neutral laws for vehicles with speed limits would be easier to administer and regulate than class-based prohibitions on shared paths. The Bicycle Coalition believes that road design and the implementation of regulations influence the behaviour of road users, which is crucial to ensuring safety for everyone on roads and paths. Craig Rosman, owner of Route 31 Bike, Board & Ski in Somerset, has been in the bike business for 32 years and believes e-bikes are helping more people enjoy this hobby. Currently, PA State Park regulations prevent many e-bike users from legally using a trail (in a state park), as most state park trails do not allow motorized vehicles.
Each county and state park has trail management rules that may differ in how they apply to electric bikes. It is recommended to contact local trail managers to determine where e-bikes are and are not allowed. The committee held a hearing Wednesday to review legislation that would not allow these bikes to weigh more than 100 pounds. They are also divided into classes I, II and III. In Class I and II, the engine does not provide assistance once the driver reaches 20 miles per hour. In Class III, the engine could withstand up to 28 miles per hour. Bob Nuttelman of Quadrini – USA poses with his electric bikes at the Springfield RV, Camping & Outdoors Show at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday. (Steven E. Nanton | The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has opened a public debate on a draft policy on the use of e-bikes, commonly known as e-bikes, in Pennsylvania`s state forests and state parks.
Sam Marshall, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Insurance Federation, asked about the speeds at which these bikes can move. The rise and progress of micromobility is inevitable and has changed the culture of cycling and transport. E-bikes are extremely common for transportation and recreation. In 2021, 880,000 e-bikes were sold in the United States, a 252% increase over 2019.
