Police and municipal officials are looking at ways to harness e-bike and electric scooter ridership as police are noticing some riders aren’t following laws of the road.
That was the case over the weekend in Harrison after police said an e-bike rider failed to stop at an intersection and was hit by an SUV, throwing the driver into the road. Bicycle riders are typically safety-conscious while on the road, with reflective clothing and helmets, state Trooper Steve Limani said.
That’s not always the case for e-bike riders. And sometimes it becomes a public safety concern.
“Unfortunately, when you watch the people that are involved in the e-bike scene, you don’t see them taking safety measures that bicyclists do,” Limani said. “In general, they don’t do a very good job of making sure that they’re as visible.”
E-bikes and electric scooters are causing headaches in some communities, and police and municipal officials are looking at ways to educate riders, or prohibit them altogether. It’s a concern shared by police departments and municipal officials in some areas, especially as warmer months, and the end of school, are approaching.
In 2024, there were 345 vehicle crashes involving e-bikes in Pennsylvania investigated by state police, accounting for about 27% of all bicycle-related crashes.
There were two e-bike fatalities, and 56 e-bike riders suffered serious injuries, troopers said.
In 2025, a Jeannette man was killed in a hit-and-run while riding an e-bike. In court papers, investigators said Jayden Lynch, 19, was driving the e-bike on Route 130 in Hempfield about 11 p.m. July 31. The car driver is facing charges after leaving the scene. Police said the car had damage to the driver’s side.
State troopers who encounter issues with e-bike riders are typically focused on education rather than writing a ticket, Limani said. Jeannette police recently laid out the laws for seventh, eighth and ninth graders during assemblies.
“You are not going to win against a car … if you’re on a bike or scooter,” Jeannette police Sgt. James Phillips said.
A rider has to be at least 16 to operate an e-bike, a bicycle with electric assist, under state law.
They must weigh less than 100 pounds and have lights, operable pedals and an electric motor 750 watts or less. An e-bike can’t go faster than 20 mph under motor power only, according to state law.
E-bikes are allowed anywhere a traditional bicycle is allowed. A driver’s license is not required, but riders have to follow rules of the road.
“You have to stop at stop signs, red lights,” Jeannette police Officer Zachary Burger said.
Operation of a motorized bicycle requires a driver’s license, registration and insurance. It’s considered a motorized vehicle with an automatic transmission and operable pedals. The maximum speed is 25 mph. It can be powered by a gas motor or electric battery.
Electric scooters are not allowed on public streets or sidewalks under state law. They are only allowed on private property with the owner’s permission.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen somebody riding an electric scooter going uphill on Lewis Avenue,” Phillips said.
There are consequences, such as citations, fines and suspension of a driver’s license, police said. Parents can be held accountable in some circumstances.
State lawmakers have proposed a slew of legislation related to e-bikes and electric scooters. One proposal seeks to direct the Joint State Government Commission to look at updating regulations related to e-bikes, which were last examined in 2014. At least two others are aimed at regulating electric scooter use and establishing fines related to violations.
State Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville, is seeking co-sponsors for proposed legislation that would give municipalities the authority to establish rules for e-bikes operated on roads and sidewalks and impose fines for violations.
Penn Township is looking to ban e-bikes and electric scooters in its municipal park. Mary Perez, township secretary/manager, said they can pose safety hazards during busy times.
“Some of these bikes can reach speeds of 25 mph, and the young operators don’t necessarily know or follow safe driving practices,” she said.
There have been collisions reported in the area last year:
• On Aug. 26, a woman riding an e-bike in Gilpin was flown to the hospital after being hit by a car.
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• An e-bike crashed into a vehicle Aug. 12 in Arnold, and the e-bike user was taken to the hospital.
• An e-bike rider suffered injuries after being hit by a car June 5 in the Pittsburgh Mills complex in Frazer.
Tarentum manager Dwight Boddorf said there’s been an increase in e-bike and electric scooter use, but it hasn’t yet forced council to take formal action.
“Our police handle issues as they arise under existing laws, with a focus on education and enforcement when needed,” he said.
In Harrison, where the e-bike rider was hurt over the weekend, an increase in e-bike popularity hasn’t caused issues for police. But police Chief Brian Turack said public safety becomes an issue when operators don’t adhere to the rules of the road.
“Like with anything, when operators fail to follow the law, that’s a problem,” he said.