E-bikes are allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes. A bill being considered by Pennsylvania's House Transportation Committee seeks to update the state's vehicle code to regulate these so-called e-bikes and determine where they can operate.. A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. You are using an out of date browser. Some state game lands may have restrictions on where you can ride an electric bike or what type of bike you can ride. But its just a bike. Regular bicycles have to obey traffic laws, as do people on horses, or even pedestrians. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Please consider supporting our work. A lot of people (including myself) thought as long as an ebike was within the power and speed limitation we were legal to ride trails, paths and park land. The directives clarify the definition of an e-bike and identifies e-bikes under three classes of motor vehicles. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The updated guidance clarifies existing policy and provides guidelines to local Forest Service employees that may be considering expanding e-bike access at site-specific locations. You may be wondering if you need to register your new bike. Contents. Do not go off the trail (even to pass), create new trails, or cut switchbacks. Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries, DIY Solar Power,The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guideand The Electric Bike Manifesto. Owners of non-electric bicycles in Hawaii must register their bikes as well, but the fee is $15. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. And finally, be prepared for a workout electric bikes can be heavier than regular bicycles, so youll want to be in good shape before heading out! E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks, however. Can you use e-bikes on PA Game Lands? However, cyclists must wear a DOT protective helmet if they are under 18 years of age or are operating a third-class electric bicycle. The Pennsylvania Chapter of BHA represents a diverse and enthusiastic group of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen who seek to protect and improve wild places in the Keystone State and beyond. Shared use trails are blazed with red 2-inch by 6-inch painted blazes. 0000022453 00000 n They remain banned on state lands including the Adirondack Forest Preserve, according to a spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The national forests around California's Lake Tahoe are the latest flashpoint in . Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and D.C. require riders under age 16 to wear a helmet. More: Electric bike rental delivery service rolls out for Erie. Get the latest news and stories, right to your inbox. Dl uCFT(k:?X./haq0#_Cj[c},p Spotlight PA; Search for: Home . Of the 43states and D.C. that define e-bikes, some state laws, such as in Arizona, Minnesota, Utah and Washington, specifically allow e-bike operation on facilities such as bicycle paths or greenways, with the caveat that many carve out exceptions for localities to enact stricter operation regulations on such bike and pedestrian facilities. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. A bill being considered by Pennsylvanias House Transportation Committee seeks to update the states vehicle code to regulate these so-called e-bikes and determine where they can operate. Most 50cc cars come with a restricted engine, which puts the bike at a top speed of 30mph (48kph). However, there are some states that have additional requirements for electric bikes. Class 3 e-bikes are similar to Class 2 e-bikes, except that they can reach higher speeds of up to 28 mph (45 km/h). We understand the challenging management situation this can pose in areas of adjoining/shared boundaries. Im not sure if the real goal is to have some superbikes going significantly faster than regular bikes, or if its just to get more people on bikes, he said. announced an internal policy on the use of electric bicycles on DCNR lands is now final and effective immediately in state parks and forests. People for ebikes From what I read about 2019 law was that it's pa road ways they are allowed on now. Some non-motorized trails are also open for e-bikes if there is a written authorization from a BLM Manager. But Lommele said she disagreed with the 100-pound weight limit, which she argued precludes last mile delivery from being attainable. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn last Wednesday announced an internal policy on the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on DCNR lands is now final and effective immediately in state parks and forests. Pine Creek Rail Trail is classified as a non-motorized trail. Official websites use .gov here is an updated PDF i found from this year.
"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are electric bicycles legal in PA? Secondly, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles when appropriate. We need your support. It reclassifies electric bicycles as non-motorized bicycles on national park land, removing them from the category of dirt bikes, motorcycles and other gas-powered single or dual-track vehicles. New Jersey and West Virginia both established a two-tiered classification system. New Jerseys two-tiered classification system exempts low-speed e-bikes, which have a maximum operating speed of 20 MPH, from registration, licensure and insurance requirements. Assist can be pedal assist or throttle or both. E-bikes are permitted for use on approved mountain bike trails on property managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Gear up for a long wait, thanks to national shortage. Call us Today! Florida, Maine and Maryland require any e-bike operator or passenger under 16 years of age to wear a helmet, while New Jersey requires any e-bike operator or passenger under 17 to wear a helmet and New York requires any e-bike operator or passenger under 14 to wear a helmet. The legislature then modified its motorized bicycles definition by stating that such device is one that operates in excess of 20 MPH with a maximum motor-powered speed of 28 MPH. E-bikes, which incorporate motors, allow the rider to travel at faster speeds and greater distances than traditional mountain bikes, and they have different patterns and characteristics of use. In other words, the manufacturing and first sale of an e-bike is regulated by the federal government, but its operation on streets and bikeways lies within a states control. Illinois law allows local authorities to regulate the operation of bicycles, low-speed electric bicycles, low-speed gas bicycles and also require registration and licensing of the same, as well as requiring a registration fee. Hi, I am Jonathan Smith. 0000017670 00000 n 150: Free the Ocklawaha River! When taking a break, move to the side of the trail to allow others to pass safely. In fact, many people use them for just that purpose! A freeway is the general term that denotes a divided highway with complete control of access, which means there are no pedestrians, bikes, horses, signals or intersections. 1.1 PA E-Bikes Statement - Backcountry Hunters and Anglers; 2 E-Bikes could soon be permitted on state game lands | Outdoors. Twenty-six states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming) have created a three-tiered e-bike classification system intended to differentiate between models with varying speed capabilities. First of all, make sure that you check with the specific state game land regulations before riding an electric bike there. 0000017828 00000 n An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider when they are pedaling. not open to biking, which would also prohibit e-bikes include: Other lands open to the public in Pennsylvania (such as federal lands, local parks, gamelands, and preserves) have different requirements related to e-bikes. Printable Fact Sheet on E-Bikes and Biking in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests (PDF), E-Bike Policy for State Parks and Forests (PDF), E-Bike Policy for State Parks and Forests Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). Wyoming also empowers localities to enact a registration fee as part of any local ordinances governing the operation, registration and licensure of non-electric bicycles and e-bikes. hb`````9hX The It does not provide a maximum speed when the bicycle is being propelled by a combination of human and motor power, which is how e-bikes are predominantly ridden. The committee held a hearing on Wednesday to vet legislation that would not allow these bikes to weigh more than 100 pounds. We trust just a few manufacturers. Class 1 - Pedelec (pedal assist) eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 mph (32kph). 2014 Act 154 www.legis.state.pa.us The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continued to ban ebikes from state parks, forests and game land. Assuming the continued robust growth of the e-bike industry, state legislatures will likely continue to grapple with defining e-bikes, clarifying operation, safety and equipment standards and further distinguishing from motorized vehicles such as mopeds and scooters. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. 2.1 HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY'S COMMISSIONERS MEETING; 3 Pa. floats new policy on e-bikes in state forests, state parks. It depends on the state in which you live and whether or not your bike meets certain criteria. 0000003786 00000 n I just love being outside riding! Electric bicycles simply open the door to get more people on two wheels. The rule provides that authorized officers may authorize, through subsequent land-use planning or implementation-level decisions, the use of Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes on non-motorized roads and trails. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has no plans to change the rules, but some people argue that state officials should at least consider the idea. 0000002290 00000 n When riding on soft surfaces like dirt or sand, be especially mindful not to create ruts or trails that could damage sensitive plant life or disturb wildlife. For example, Idahos law specifically states mopeds and motorcycles are not e-bikes and explicitly exempts e-bike operators from licensure, registration and titling requirements. 0000017439 00000 n 0. In Mississippi, there is no clear designation for an electric bicycle, but an. Yes, electric bikes are legal on Pennsylvania state forest land. But its a pretty evolving list these days. E-bikes also are banned on the forest preserve, meaning they can't share the trails with regular mountain bikes. This means average travel distances on e-bikes tend to increase, and you can reach more destinations. Which Electric Bikes Have Regenerative Braking? Under current regulation, it is unlawful to use or operate any type of e-bike on Pennsylvania State Game Lands, unless used by individuals with mobility disabilities. 0000011132 00000 n Additionally, several year-round resorts operating under a special use permit have established e-bike use within their permit boundary. link to How to Make a Bike Seat More Comfortable? Those types of bikes are generally rated at a top speed of 15 mph, which is the limit on the road. E-bikes bring new users to forests, grasslands, USDA Forest Service Issues Guidance to Manage Future E-Bike Use on National Forests and Grasslands. 0000014296 00000 n 0000001156 00000 n State parks in North Carolina allow e-bikes on all trails where traditional bikes are allowed. When you join our insider's list, you'll get helpful info, promos, and more. All e-bikes continue to be prohibited everywhere on game lands, including on roads normally . Powered with rechargeable batteries, they provide electric assist while pedalling and can make hills and everyday trips much easier. As noted above, the Class 1 e-bike uses pedal . Stay on the trail. Humans and animals can be unpredictable. All these states have different laws regarding the operation of electric bicycles. Dot protective helmet if they are under 18 years of age or are operating a third-class electric bicycle but..., many people use them for just that purpose than 100 pounds regulations before riding electric...? 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