Electric and Off-Road Vehicle Regulations and Safety
CHIEF RON DZIEZGOWSKI
A Letter from Chief Ron Dziezgowski
The Jefferson Hills Police Department( JHPD) has seen an increase in the use of electric bicycles( e-bikes), electric scooters and in some cases All-Terrain Vehicles( ATV) throughout our community. While these vehicles can be a fun and efficient way to travel, they also present safety concerns— especially when used by children( or adults), who are inexperienced with the vehicle or operate in areas where they may not be legally permitted. The biggest issue in Pennsylvania is that e-bikes and e-scooters are treated very differently under the law.
E-Bikes( Electric Bicycles) E-Bikes are generally treated like regular bicycles under state law. They require no license, registration, or insurance but the rider must be 16 years or older to operate and must wear a helmet. To meet the requirement of an E-Bike, the motor must be 750 watts or less, not exceed 20 miles per hour using motor power alone, weigh no more than 100 pounds and be equipped with operable pedals. E-Bikes are generally permitted in most places bicycles are allowed( i. e., public roads, bike lanes, or certain trails where permitted), but not on highways.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are not treated the same as e-bikes under Pennsylvania law. Instead, they are considered“ motor-driven cycles”( like motorcycles). Operation requires a driver’ s license, minimum age of 16, registration, insurance and proper equipment standards. Because most commercially available electric scooters do not meet these requirements these vehicles are not permitted on public roads, sidewalks, or bike lanes. In most cases, electric scooters should be limited to private property with permission.
E-motos( Electric motorcycles / dirt bikes)
E-motos are generally over 750 watts, have no pedals, and capable of speeds over 20 MPH, which classifies them as a“ motor-driven cycle”( like a motorcycle). These types of vehicles meet the same licensing, insurance, registration and inspection criteria as a street legal motorcycle. Since most commercially available E-motos do not meet the criteria, these types of vehicles are not permitted to be operated on any public roads, sidewalks, or bike lanes.
All-Terrain Vehicle( ATV)
Per Pennsylvania definitions, an ATV includes any off-road vehicle with three or more tires, which includes, but is not limited to, quads and side-by-sides. PennDOT does not register ATVs for road use, nor can they be registered in another state for use on PA roadways. Per PA Motor Vehicle Code, Title 75 § 7721( a) –“ it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile, or ATV on any street or highway which is not designated and posted as a snowmobile or ATV road by the governmental agency having jurisdiction.” Jefferson Hills does not have any roads designated as such, therefore, their operation on any roadway within the borough is not permitted.
Electric and Off-Road Vehicle Regulations and Safety
Safety Recommendations
The Jefferson Hills Police Department strongly encourages the following:
1. For Children and Younger Riders
• Do not operate e-bikes on public roads if under 16
• Ride only in safe, supervised areas such as private property or permitted parks
• Always wear a helmet and keep your e-bike under control.
2. For Teens( 16 years and older) and Adults on E-bikes
• Follow all traffic laws as you would on a bicycle
• Use lights and reflective gear when riding at night
• Know your device specifications and ensure it meets legal limits.
• Avoid riding where prohibited.
• Remain alert and avoid distractions such as headphones or mobile devices
3. For Electric Scooter Use
• Use should be limited to private property
• Do not assume scooters are legal on public streets or sidewalks
4. For Parents- Before purchasing or allowing use of an e-bike or scooter, please:
• Review the device specifications to ensure it meets legal limits
• Discuss where your child is permitted to ride
• Reinforce safe riding habits, rules of the road, and awareness of traffic.
• Monitor use and ensure compliance with local laws and ordinances.
• Parents may be held civilly and criminally responsible for allowing their children to operate these types of vehicles in violation of state law.
In conclusion, the goal of the police department is to keep all residents, especially children, safe while avoiding unnecessary enforcement action. Please see the PennDOT Micromobility Rules and Safety Reminder Fact Sheet at pa-micromobility-fact-sheet. pdf. We appreciate the cooperation of the community in adhering to the safety guidelines presented in this article. For questions or additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the JHPD via 911. Stay safe, ride responsibly, and have a great summer.
Thank you and God Bless!
Chief Ron Dziezgowski
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