Pennsylvania lawmaker proposes restrictions for e-bikes on PA roads, age requirement for e-scooters riders
A Pennsylvania lawmaker announced plans to introduce legislation that would restrict the use of electric bicycles on high-speed roads and establish an age restriction for electric scooter riders.
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State Rep. Joe McAndrew said the measure is intended to protect riders as e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly common forms of transportation.
Restrictions for high-speed roads
Under the proposal, e-bikes and e-scooters would be permitted on higher-speed state roads and highways only where signs clearly authorize their use or designated lanes are available.
McAndrew said the speed difference between the electric devices and motor vehicles creates safety concerns on busy, high-speed roadways.
“While they are a viable mode of transportation, using these low-speed devices on higher speed roads presents a danger to both drivers and to the operators of the devices,” McAndrew said.
The memo does not state the speed at which a road would be considered “high-speed.”
Age restriction for e-scooter riders
According to the proposal, current Pennsylvania law indicates the speed limit for e-bikes is 20 mph. State law does not provide one for e-scooters.
McAndrew said that the proposed legislation would establish a legal definition for e-scooters and set rules for their use on state roads.
The measure would also prohibit anyone younger than 16 from operating an e-scooter on state roads, according to the memo.
Preventing serious crashes
McAndrew expressed that regulations are needed to prevent serious crashes as more Pennsylvanians use e-bikes and e-scooters for transportation.
“We cannot afford to let significant injuries and fatalities related to these vehicles grow without putting in common-sense regulations in high-speed corridors,” McAndrew said. “This legislation is about adding protections to save lives.”
The proposal has not yet been submitted for introduction.
Below: E-bike laws in Pennsylvania
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