Increasing instances of injuries and even tragic death have highlighted the dangers of motorized scooters. Gone are the days of a regular old dirt bike. It seems like all I see anymore are electric bikes and scooters, and not just in a driveway or on local, quiet neighborhood streets. Whether in a crowded city or bucolic bike path, scooters and electric bikes seem to be the norm for all ages, whether a small 8 year old child or a 60 year old adult! And they’re not so slow either. Some of these electric bikes travel at very fast speeds, far greater than the strength that foot powered chains can make tires rotate.
So what’s the law in Pennsylvania regarding these motorized bikes and scooters? Local municipalities are considering or have passed laws pertaining to electric scooters and bikes. Haverford Township recently voted to require kids under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when riding an electric scooter or bike. Surprisingly, Pennsylvania law is strict when it comes to electric scooters on public roads. The law considers electric scooters vehicles which technically means that they are not exempt from PennDOT’s titling and registration requirements and would thus be required to pass equipment standards and inspection requirements. However, most electric scooters don’t come equipped with the necessities like turn signals and mirrors to meet registration and inspection requirements. Electric scooters, cannot be legally operated on public roadways and are only permissible on private property in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania law also specifically prohibits electric scooters on sidewalks.
Similar to electric scooters, electric bikes In Pennsylvania, an electric bike (e-bike) falls into different definitions under the law. There is a “pedalcycle with electric assist”, which contains an electric motor under 750 watts and can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph on a level surface when powered solely by the motor, must weigh no more than 100 pounds, and must have operable pedals. For these, the operator must be 16 years of age or older but there are no special licensing, registration, or insurance requirements. These may operate on roads and trails like a traditional bike unless specialize rules on a specific trail restrict them.
“Motorized pedalcycles” include requirements such as gas power or electric motor with operable pedals with a maximum design speed of no more than 25 miles per hour. They require a driver’s license and must be registered, insured and require the use of a helmet if under 21 years old. They are not permitted to ride on sidewalks or in bike lanes.
Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish what’s what, but it seems common to see all sorts of these vehicles on roads, trails, and sidewalks. It’s important to know and to follow the laws regarding these “newer” forms of transport. They can be fun, but as we have seen in recent news stories, they can also be very dangerous to the user and to others around them. Have fun out there, but play it safe and respect the laws regarding electric scooters and bikes if not for yourself, for others around you.
The Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP is a full-service law firm in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We strive to help people, businesses and institutions throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania solve legal problems – and even prevent legal problems before they occur. To learn more about the full range of our specific practice areas, please visit www.dioriosereni.com or contact Scott C. Gottel, Esquire at 610-565-5700 or at [email protected].
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