E-bikes regulated on township property in South Fayette

E-bikes regulated on township property in South Fayette

Rules set for proper use of electric bikes and scooters at parks, trails and municipal sites

By Andrea Iglar

Stronger, clearer rules on e-bike use in South Fayette aim to make parks, trails and other township properties safer.

The Board of Commissioners in October adopted an ordinance to update the township code to specifically regulate e-bikes, e-scooters and other electrically motorized vehicles.

Paula Willis, the parks and recreation director, said the township is not prohibiting e-bikes or e-scooters in parks, but rather limiting where they can be operated.

“We’re not banning e-bikes; we are restricting them to certain areas to make our parks and trails safer and more enjoyable for riders, motorists, pedestrians and other park visitors,” Willis said.

In Fairview Park right now, e-bikes—when legally, properly operated—are permitted on some existing paved paths and on Recreation Road, the park road that connects Greenwood Drive and Mayview Road.

After the Fairview Park Trail Network is built (construction starts in 2026), e-bikes will be permitted on certain trails— generally the same areas traditional bikes are allowed.

Police Chief John Phoennik said the ordinance “gives us some teeth” to better enforce unsafe use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

While the local law covers parks and township property, the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code governs rules of the road—whether it's a park road or a public street. The police department can enforce both sets of rules.

“We will continue to enforce and educate,” Chief Phoennik said.

The ordinance applies to all township-owned and -controlled properties including, but not limited to, Fairview, Boys Home, Morgan, Preservation, Sturgeon and Treveskyn parks; the South Fayette portions of the Panhandle Trail; the Morgan complex (515 Millers Run Road) and the South Fayette Township Municipal Center (100 Township Drive).

The ordinance defines several types of electrically motorized vehicles.

An e-bike is defined as a pedal cycle with electric assistance that:

• Weighs no more than 100 pounds

• Does not exceed 20 mph through motor power

• Does not exceed 750 watts in power output

• Has functional, operational pedals

Some of the e-bike regulations include:

• Riders must be at least 16 years old.

• E-bikes are permitted only on shared-use paths and walking trails where traditional bikes are permitted.

• The use of the throttle-only function is prohibited.

• E-bikes are permitted on roadways within township parks, but operators must yield to pedestrians and adhere to all traffic signs and rules of the road.

• Speed limit for e-bikes is 15 mph.

• No passengers are allowed beyond what the vehicle was designed and equipped for.

• E-bikes are prohibited on grass, fields, parking lots, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, natural-surface trails, open spaces and active event spaces.

Violations are subject to fees and penalties.

To report concerns about improper or illegal use of e-bikes or e-scooters, please contact the police immediately by calling 911.

To review the entire ordinance, visit southfayettepa.com/ebikes.