With an e-bike, bicyclists can ride more often,
farther, and for more trips.
Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, do
not compromise consumer safety, and benefit bicyclists who may be
discouraged from riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical
fitness, age, disability or convenience.
In many states, e-bikes are regulated under antiquated laws primarily
aimed at combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds or scooters.
PeopleForBikes and the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association are
clarifying state laws governing the use of e-bikes in the U.S. Every
state’s law is different, but the objective is to ensure that low-speed
e-bikes are regulated similarly to traditional, human-powered bicycles.
» tlusnoC :LACOL your local land management agency.
»
» FEDERAL: The majority of public lands managed for recreation
Pennsylvania are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, where
eMTBs are considered motorized vehicles and have access to motorized
trails. Contact the U.S. Forest Service Eastern Regional Office for more
information.
PENNSYLVANIA’S E-BIKE LAW FOR TRAILS
» f nO ederal, state, county and local trails, e-mountain bike (eMTB) access
varies significantly.
» Generally, any natural surface trail that is designated as open to both
motorized and non-motorized uses is also open to eMTBs.
» eMTBs may not be allowed on trails managed for non-motorized activities.
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legally and only on authorized trails to show that mountain bikers are
responsible trail users.
»
eMTB GUIDELINES
» Rattling Creek
Lykens | 22.3 miles
» Coopers Gap Epic
State College | 26.7 miles
» Roth Rock Tour
State College | 25.5 miles
» Moraine Full Meal Deal
Harlansburg | 12.5 miles
» Best of Laurel
Zimmerman | 20.4 miles
» Lackawanna State Park
Scranton | 15 miles
GREAT eMTB RIDES IN PENNSYLVANIA
PENNSYLVANIA’S E-BIKE LAW FOR THE ROAD
» E-bikes are defined as “pedalcycles with electric assist,” so long
as the e-bike’s motor is under 750w, has a maximum speed of
20mph 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.
» E-bikes are not subject to the registration, licensing or insurance
requirements that apply to motor vehicles.
» Helmets are not required. No person under 16 years of age may operate
an e-bike.
*
The following Pennsylvania laws are referenced: Senate Bill 997; 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. §102, 3508, 3514.
Learn more at PeopleForBikes.org/e-bikes
» Blogs and webinars
» E-bike laws around the country
» E-bike statistics and research
» ediug gniyuB
» slairetam reliateR
» eMTB management resources
» A map of great eMTB rides at peopleforbikes.org/emtb
» eMTB “Adventures” at peopleforbikes.org/e-bikes
CHECK OUT
PENNSYLVANIA’S E-BIKE LAW
PA
E-bikes are allowed wherever bicycles or “pedalcycles” are allowed.
»
E-bikes are allowed on sidewalks but restrictions may apply. When in
doubt, check for local rules and regulations.
»
STATE: According to the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, e-bikes
are permitted only where other motorized vehicles are permitted. Class
1 e-bikes are allowed on trails open to mountain bikes on State Forest
property. Contact the department for the most up to date information.
PeopleForBikes is monitoring this policy and will update this document
as needed.
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trails. Local land rules change frequently.
PeopleForBikes.org
