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Partly verified · Last checked
Pennsylvania e-bike laws
ClassesNo class system. 'Pedalcycle with electric assist': up to 100 lb, 2-3 wheels over 11 in, motor 750 W or less, operable pedals, max 20 mph on motor alone; legally a pedalcycle (75 Pa.C.S. 102)
Age & helmetUnder 12 on any pedalcycle, operator or passenger; no adult rule (75 Pa.C.S. 3510(a))
No class system. 'Pedalcycle with electric assist': up to 100 lb, 2-3 wheels over 11 in, motor 750 W or less, operable pedals, max 20 mph on motor alone; legally a pedalcycle (75 Pa.C.S. 102)
Minimum age
Checking with official source
Helmet rule
Under 12 on any pedalcycle, operator or passenger; no adult rule (75 Pa.C.S. 3510(a))
Where you can ride
Checking with official source
License / registration
Checking with official source
County & city rules
Highlighted counties have local e-bike rules we've checked against an official source. Everywhere else, state law applies. Parks, trails and HOAs can still post their own rules.
Throttle-only riding banned on non-motorized trails; No riding in natural areas, on yellow- or orange-blazed hiking trails, or where 'No Biking' signs are posted; Motor power may not exceed 20 mph; Mopeds banned on trails
E-bicycles may use park roads and drives and paths marked for bikes. Banned on the Lincoln Drive roadway (Wissahickon Ave to Kelly Dr) at all times, and on the Kelly Drive roadway weekdays 7–10 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.
Allowed on county trails open to bikes, and on park roads unless signed otherwise. On non-motorized trails, pedal or pedal-assist only. Never use the motor above 20 mph.
E-bikes that meet the state definition may ride on DCNR roads and on trails where regular bikes are allowed. On non-motorized trails, riders must pedal; using the throttle alone is not allowed.
Trails & paths
Pennsylvania state parks and state forests
Age & helmet
Throttle-only riding banned on non-motorized trails; No riding in natural areas, on yellow- or orange-blazed hiking trails, or where 'No Biking' signs are posted; Motor power may not exceed 20 mph; Mopeds banned on trails
An e-bicycle has working pedals that must be used to engage the motor, and a top speed of 20 mph. Faster electric bikes count as motorized bicycles.
Trails & paths
E-bicycles may use park roads and drives and paths marked for bikes. Banned on the Lincoln Drive roadway (Wissahickon Ave to Kelly Dr) at all times, and on the Kelly Drive roadway weekdays 7–10 a.m. and 4–6:30 p.m.
Treated like regular bikes if the e-bike weighs 100 lb or less, has a motor of 750 W or less, has working pedals, and the motor can't move it without pedaling.
Trails & paths
Allowed on county trails open to bikes, and on park roads unless signed otherwise. On non-motorized trails, pedal or pedal-assist only. Never use the motor above 20 mph.
