Before purchasing an electric bike, scooter, or dirt bike for your kids this holiday season, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s laws and regulations.
E-bikes are pedal bicycles with an electric assist. They are quick and they are growing in popularity, according to Perkasie Police Chief Robert Schurr, who says he started seeing them in larger numbers about two years ago.
“We have seen an explosion in popularity over the past couple of years. We are starting to see more and more of them which brings us to where we are today,” Chief Schurr said.
Sometimes e-bike accidents have proven deadly. Last April in Allentown, an e-bike collided with a vehicle, killing a woman. In July, a man also died after colliding with a vehicle in Upper Macungie Township, while riding his e-bike.
“Every single e-bike, if they are permitted to be on the roadway, has to obey all traffic laws and has to be the posted speed limit,” said Chief Schurr.
An e-bike must be pedal assisted, under 750 watts, and cannot go about 20 mph. People under 16 years old are not allowed to operate an e-bike on a roadway, and they are not allowed on busy state roads. Chief Schurr says it’s best to keep them on your neighborhood streets and enjoy the ride.
