Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing to update state laws governing the increasingly popular electric bicycles after a series of crashes this summer highlighted what they describe as gaps in the state’s current regulations.
State Sen. James Malone (D-36) introduced SR 322, which would direct the Joint State Government Commission to study e-bikes and recommend updates to Pennsylvania’s statutory framework.
E-bikes are defined in Pa. law as pedalcycles with electric assist that weigh no more than 100 pounds.
Malone recognizes the growing use of e-bikes, but believes the state law needs to be updated to ensure safety.
“We had some of our constituents reach out with concerns,” he said. “Unfortunately, we just had a 12-year-old die in York.”
A 12-year-old boy was killed by a pickup truck while riding an e-bike in York County earlier this month. Another child was struck while riding an electric bicycle in Lancaster this week.
State Rep. Jill Cooper (R-55) is pursuing separate legislation after hearing similar concerns from constituents. “I have people who complain about them and people who love them,” she said.
Cooper’s bill, HB 2703, would allow municipalities to enact specific ordinances for e-bikes by defining them differently from traditional bicycles.
The legislation would also increase fines for e-bikes from $10 to $50 and establish a minimum $100 fine for careless e-bike operation causing bodily injury.
“It’s really to establish more of a middle ground that had the cornerstone of the legislation be local empowerment,” Cooper said. “So if you have an urban area with heavy pedestrian traffic or you want stricter rules around a sidewalk … you can do that.”
Currently, the PA Vehicle Code allows e-bikes to travel up to 20 miles per hour. The minimum age to operate one is 16.
Cooper’s law would define e-bikes into three classes developed by People for Bikes which many other states have implemented. It would also prohibit PennDOT or local governments from requiring driver’s licenses, registration or insurance to operate an e-bike.
“I’m a very heavy advocate for our local municipalities having governance,” Malone said, adding that the study he’s requesting would provide guidance from the state.
Both proposals are awaiting consideration from the house and senate transportation committees.
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