E-bikes and e-scooters are showing up everywhere, but for families in Pittsburgh, the law is not as simple as many riders think.
In Pennsylvania, e-bikes are generally legal if they meet the state definition of a pedal cycle with electric assist: operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, a top motor-powered speed of no more than 20 mph and a weight of 100 pounds or less. Riders can usually use them anywhere regular bicycles are allowed, though local restrictions can apply.
E-scooters are much murkier. State guidance says electric
scooters are not legal on public roads, and they are also not allowed on sidewalks, which means private property is often the only clearly legal place to ride them. Pittsburgh created an exception for its low-speed scooter pilot, allowing Spin scooters under city rules that require riders to be at least 18, stay under 15 mph and use only streets with bike lanes or speed limits of 25 mph or less.
Safety advocates say better enforcement could include helmet requirements for minors, keeping young riders off busy roads, cracking down on sidewalk riding and expanding protected bike or scooter lanes.
This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it legal? Electric bike and scooter regulations in Pittsburgh
