Electric Bike Laws In Pennsylvania: Where Can You Ride?

Electric bikes are now allowed on Pennsylvania roadways, but there are some restrictions. Electric-assist bicycles are legal on roads and bike paths, but only if they have operable pedals, a speed limit of 20 mph under power, a motor rated at no more than 750 watts, no more than three wheels, a weight of no more than 100 pounds, and are not operated by persons under 16 years old. E-bikes are not allowed on Pennsylvania State Park roads and other motor vehicle roads unless the bike has an electric motor with a maximum output of 750 watts and assists only when pedaling.

Electric bikes are allowed on roads and bike paths

However, for trails, especially natural surface ones, access varies. It is important to check with local land management agencies for the full scoop. For example, e-bikes are not allowed on Pennsylvania State Park roads and other motor vehicle roads unless the bike has an electric motor with a maximum output of 750 watts and assists only when pedalling. E-bikes that have throttles, i.e. those that can propel a bike without pedalling, are not allowed on state park roads at all.

E-bikes are allowed in open fields, including private lands, as long as trails are not marked with prohibitive signs and the owner expressly allows these bicycles onto the property. Riders under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride e-bikes on state or local highways.

Electric bikes are not allowed on state park roads

Electric bikes are not allowed on Pennsylvania State Park roads and other motor vehicle roads unless the bike has an electric motor with a maximum output of 750 watts and assists only when pedalling. E-bikes that have throttles, i.e., those that can propel a bike without pedalling, are not allowed on state park roads at all.

Electric bikes are allowed on roads and bike paths, as well as in open fields, including private lands, as long as trails are not marked with prohibitive signs and the owner expressly allows these bicycles onto the property.

E-bikes are also allowed on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently announced their final internal policy on the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on DCNR lands, effective immediately in state parks and forests.

Riders under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride e-bikes on state or local highways.

Electric bikes are allowed on private lands

E-bikes are now legal on Pennsylvania roadways as part of Act 154. This means that e-bikes are allowed on roads and bike paths where traditional bicycles or 'pedalcycles' are permitted. E-bikes are also allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage on PA DCNR-managed lands. However, it's important to check the guidelines for your destination before you go, as other public lands in Pennsylvania (such as federal lands, local parks, and preserves) have different requirements related to e-bikes.

Electric bikes are allowed on DCNR-managed trails

The DCNR will allow e-bikes on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage on DCNR-managed lands, as long as e-bike users follow the guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. This means that e-bikes are not allowed on Pennsylvania State Park roads and other motor vehicle roads unless the bike has an electric motor with a maximum output of 750 watts and assists only when pedalling. E-bikes that have throttles, i.e., those that can propel a bike without pedalling, are not allowed on state park roads at all.

E-bikes are allowed in open fields, including private lands, as long as trails are not marked with prohibitive signs and the owner expressly allows these bicycles onto the property. That means staying in bike lanes and shared pathways, checking blind spots and signalling when turning, and obeying traffic signals.

Electric bikes are not allowed for riders under 16

In Pennsylvania, electric bikes are generally permitted wherever traditional bicycles are allowed, including roads and bike paths. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, electric bikes are not allowed on Pennsylvania State Park roads and other motor vehicle roads unless the bike has an electric motor with a maximum output of 750 watts and only assists when pedalling.

Additionally, electric bikes with throttles, which can propel the bike without pedalling, are prohibited on state park roads. These types of electric bikes are also not permitted on DCNR-managed trails, as they are only open to traditional bicycle usage. Riders under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride electric bikes on state or local highways.

It is important to note that the laws regarding electric bikes can vary depending on the location within Pennsylvania. Therefore, riders should always check the guidelines for their specific destination before using their electric bikes. This includes checking with local land management agencies, as access to natural surface trails may vary.

Frequently asked questions