SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Look both ways, one more time. E-bikes and other electronic or small motorized vehicles are sharing the roadways with drivers in our area.
28/22 News Reporter Connor Coar stopped by one local bike shop to learn about the current laws in place, and what drivers need to know as more of these kinds of vehicles join them on roads.
The amount of what Pennsylvania calls “Micromobility” is increasing, which includes e-bikes. This means there are now more vehicles on the road for everyone to watch out for.
Kyle Brazen is the manager of Cedar Bicycles in Scranton. The business began selling e-bikes about a decade ago.
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“We were like, ‘This isn’t going to happen. Blah blah blah. Now fast forward 10 years, and it’s just been a boom,” stated Brazen.
As the market for e-bikes continues to grow, the danger for drivers and pedestrians increases as well.
According to the state’s Department of Transportation, there must be a minimum width of five feet on a sidewalk next to a state road.
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The sidewalk here on Biden Street meets the minimum five-foot requirement. When pedestrians are walking on roads, e-bikes approaching quickly can cause safety concerns.
Brazen says he sees many parents coming in wanting to buy an e-bike for their kids. State law says that the minimum age to own an e-bike is 16 years old.
“With that said, can someone come in on their own. Should they buy an e-bike and give it to their kid? Yes. There is nothing we can do about that, but we do try to educate them that it is a motor vehicle. It is dangerous. You still have to follow the laws,” explained Brazen.
State law says that the fastest an e-bike can legally go is 28 mph. Brazen says that when people ride their regular bikes without electricity or extra motors, they can still reach speeds and beyond.
“I can go out there on the heritage trail, which has a 19-mph speed limit. I can still go out there on a regular bike and go 30 mph. There’s no difference between an e-bike and a regular bike. It’s a people thing. You have to be more courteous to each other,” emphasized Brazen.
“When you are coming up on some walkers or joggers, be courteous. Slow down a little bit. Tell them ‘Hey, on your left.’ Ring your bell. There’s nothing wrong with slowing down a little bit. The last thing we want to see is anyone getting hurt,” added Brazen.
If you would like to learn more about the laws regarding electric and small motorized vehicles, you can explore further resources.
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