Pennsylvania Electric Bike Laws

No three-class law · State parks: Where bicycles allowed

Pennsylvania has no class system. Act 154 of 2014 defined a pedalcycle with electric assist: under 100 lb, a motor of 750 W or less, operable pedals and no more than 20 mph on motor power alone. It is treated like a bicycle, with no license, registration or insurance, and riders must be 16 or older.

E-bike classes
Not adopted
E-bike license
No
Class 3 minimum age
-
E-bike helmet
Under 12
State parks
Where bicycles allowed
Moped registration
Yes

By vehicle

Rules for E-Bikes, Stand-Up E-Scooters and Mopeds in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania rules by vehicle
VehicleDefinitionMinimum ageLicenseRegistrationInsuranceHelmetSidewalksTrails
E-bikePedalcycle with electric assist: 750 W, 20 mph motor-only, 100 lb max16NoNoNoUnder 12Yes, not in business districtsWhere bicycles allowed (DCNR)
Stand-up e-scooterNot defined in Vehicle CodeN/aN/aN/aN/aN/aNoNo
Seated e-scooter (moped)Motorized pedalcycle: 25 mph max, 1.5 bhp, 50 cc16Class CYesYesNoNoNo

Where to ride

Where Each Vehicle May Ride

  • E-bike. No class system; faster e-bikes fall outside the definition
  • Stand-up e-scooter. Private property only
  • Seated e-scooter (moped). No limited-access highways

Equipment

Equipment Rules for E-Bikes

Motor 750 W or less; weight 100 lb or less; wheels over 11 inches; working brakes; white front lamp, red rear reflector and amber side reflectors at night; helmet under 12.

City rules

What Cities and Counties Can Change

Bicycles, including e-bikes, may use sidewalks outside business districts unless a local ordinance or sign forbids it. Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park passed ordinances in June 2026 requiring helmets for e-bike riders under 21. House Bill 2703 (2026), pending in committee, would adopt three classes and let municipalities regulate e-bikes separately from bicycles.

Parks and trails

State Parks, Federal Lands and Rail Trails in Pennsylvania

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources allows e-bikes that meet the state definition on state park and forest trails and roads open to bicycles; riders must pedal on non-motorized trails. E-bikes are barred from natural areas and yellow- or orange-blazed hiking trails, and mopeds are barred from all trails.

Record

Sources

E-bike
75 Pa.C.S. 102; Act 154 of 2014
Stand-up e-scooter
PennDOT micromobility sheet
Seated e-scooter (moped)
75 Pa.C.S. 102, 3521-3525
Status
Partly verified
Open items
Two PennDOT micromobility sheets disagree on moped registration; SR 322 study resolution and HB 2703 still pending
Last verified
Q4 2026