Parents: Not Every “E‑Bike” Is a Legal E‑Bike
Lansdale Police warn many high-powered electric bikes sold as “e-bikes” don’t meet Pennsylvania’s legal definition and may be illegal for road or trail use.
Lansdale Borough Police report rising use of electric motorcycles and high-powered electric dirt bikes—often marketed as “e-bikes”—by young riders on roads, sidewalks and trails. Under Pennsylvania law a legal e-bike must have fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, weigh under 100 pounds, provide motor assistance only up to 20 mph, and be designed for riders 16 or older; vehicles that exceed those limits may be classified as motor-driven cycles or motorcycles requiring registration, insurance and a licensed operator. Parents are urged to check specifications before purchasing and may contact the Lansdale Borough Police Department for help determining whether a model is legal; helmets are strongly recommended and handheld device use while operating is prohibited under Paul Miller’s Law.