E-Bikes Ban Proposed At Abington Parks

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — As the use of E-bikes rise this summer along with more accidents, township officials are pushing for a ban on them.

The Abington Township Board of Commissioners voted to advance a proposed ban on electric vehicles at its meeting on Thursday night.

The ban would not include those with disabilities who ride electric vehicles not would it apply to county parks.

Several communities are paying more attention to the regulation of E-bikes as more accidents are being reported throughout the Philadelphia region.

Two incidents recently were reported in Lower Bucks County that included two Canada geese being struck on the Delaware Canal towpath in Yardley and a 5-year-old boy riding on an E-bike who was involved in a crash.

Abington Township Police recently addressed the use of E-bikes and other electric modes of transportation.

As crashes become more frequent, questions continue to emerge regarding the legality of operating these devices on public roadways, police said.

Pennsylvania defines an E Bike as a “Pedal cycle with electronic assist,” so long as the E Bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of 20 MPH on a level surface when powered by the motor source only, weighs no more than 100 lbs. and has operable pedals.

The same rules of the road apply to both E Bikes and human-powered bicycles:

• Helmets are not required
• NO person under the age of 16 years old may operate an E Bike
• E-bikes may be used anywhere bicycles are permitted, including public streets, and are subject to the same traffic laws and enforcement as other vehicles.
• E Bikes are allowed on sidewalks but restrictions may apply (i.e.: Not allowed in business districts and must yield to pedestrians)

In terms of electric scooters, the Commonwealth considers them a vehicle, which means they need to be registered and pass equipment standards and inspection requirements.

As most scooters do not have the necessary equipment (ie: includes but not limited to mirrors and turn signals) it makes them illegal to ride on state roads, police said.

Electronic scooters are also prohibited from being operated on the sidewalk. E scooters may be operated on private property with the permission of the property owner.