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Pottstown police to step up enforcement of e-bike and e-scooter rules after rise in crashes
Summary
The borough manager and police reported a marked increase in accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters; the police department will increase enforcement and issue warnings or moving violations for traffic-law violations. Staff also announced a sidewalk repair grant application opening Sept. 8.
Pottstown officials said Sept. 3 the police department will increase enforcement of traffic laws for users of e-bikes, e-scooters and other micro-mobility devices following a rise in crashes and injuries.
Borough staff told council that recent police data shows riders on many occasions were at fault because they disobeyed traffic laws, including riding against the direction of traffic and ignoring stop signs and red lights. "In most of these cases, the person operating the motor vehicle was not at fault, but rather the person operating the micro mobility device such as the e bike or the scooter was at fault because they were not properly following traffic laws," Borough Manager said.
The borough said enforcement over the next few months will include warnings and citations for moving violations when riders break traffic laws. Officials encouraged residents using micro-mobility devices to follow the vehicle code when operating on roadways.
Other related items: Staff announced the "Walk and Thrive" sidewalk repair pilot grant application will be posted on the borough website on Monday, Sept. 8. The program will provide financial assistance to eligible owner-occupied households with extremely low to moderate incomes to repair sidewalks damaged by street trees while prioritizing tree canopy preservation. The application period will run through Oct. 10.
Public comment mirrored concerns observed by staff. Jared Herring of 144 King Street said he sees riders using sidewalks and ramps to bypass traffic and urged better public education and enforcement.
Ending: Police and borough staff urged safe operation of micro-mobility devices and said enforcement will begin in coming months alongside public outreach.
