3 minute read
Police chief urges e-bike safety
Chief's Corner: John Phoennik
Police chief urges e-bike and e-scooter safety
▶ An e-bike is illegal if it generates more than 750 watts and can travel more than 20 mph—whether or not it has pedals—according to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.
▶ You must be at least 16 years old to legally ride an e-bike in Pennsylvania.
▶ E-scooters are illegal to operate on streets.
With summer here, I want to bring attention to our concern for the safety of people riding electric-powered bikes and scooters in South Fayette Township.
We aim to educate people about these vehicles, as well as the dangers and laws surrounding them.
Police chief urges e-bike and e-scooter safety
With summer here, I want to bring attention to our concern for the safety of people riding electric-powered bikes and scooters in South Fayette Township.
We aim to educate people about these vehicles, as well as the dangers and laws surrounding them.
Our police officers have observed e-bikes and e-scooters on township streets. Most people riding them are young children and teenagers from 6 to 17 years old. Most riders stay in their neighborhoods, but sometimes they travel on main roads and throughout our parks.
We have witnessed e-bike and e-scooter riders weaving in and out of traffic in parks and disobeying traffic laws. These incidents include passing vehicles at high rates of speed and not stopping for stop signs.
It is important to understand that even though e-bikes with pedals are legal in Pennsylvania, operators must obey all traffic laws—the same as bicycles—by using hand signals and ensuring proper lighting of the vehicle and rider.
Our officers frequently advise riders of the laws and speak to many parents regarding the dangers of allowing their children to ride on streets without helmets and without proper behavior. It is important for parents to understand the dangers of children riding on roads without appropriate training.
If your child or loved one has an e-bike or e-scooter, now is the time to have a talk about the do’s and don’ts before there is a serious accident or even worse.
Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter.
What is it, and where can you ride it?
