Parents: Not every “e‑bike” is a legal e‑bike
Lansdale police warn many electric motorcycles and high-powered dirt bikes sold as “e-bikes” exceed Pennsylvania’s legal e-bike limits and may require registration, insurance, and a license.
Lansdale Borough Police say an increasing number of electric motorcycles and high-powered dirt bikes being marketed as “e-bikes” do not meet Pennsylvania’s Pedalcycle with Electric Assist definition. Legal e-bikes must have fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, weigh under 100 pounds, limit motor assistance to 20 mph, and be designed for riders 16 or older; vehicles exceeding those limits may be classified as motor-driven cycles or motorcycles requiring registration, insurance, and a licensed operator. Parents should review specs before buying and may contact the Lansdale Borough Police Department for clarification; riders should obey traffic laws, avoid handheld device use under Paul Miller’s Law, and wear helmets.