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Council advances ordinance to regulate electric scooters, e‑bikes and powered mobility devices
Summary
After extended discussion, Lock Haven council advanced (and will rehear) an ordinance repealing the city's pedicycle code and replacing it with broader rules for electric scooters, e‑bikes and personal assistive mobility devices, including where devices may be permitted and exemptions for assistive devices; council debated definitions, enforcement and phased warnings.
Lock Haven — Councilmembers discussed and advanced an ordinance (20 25‑09) to repeal portions of chapter 380 and create a new code section regulating electric scooters, electric skateboards, e‑bikes and personal assistive mobility devices.
The ordinance aims to clarify where devices may be used, reiterates applicable state law that classifies some motorized devices as vehicles on city streets, and adds rules intended to improve pedestrian safety in the Central Business District and other public spaces. Council members raised multiple questions about definitions: whether the draft targets small electric kick scooters sold at retailers or higher‑speed motor scooters, how the code will treat electric wheelchairs and mobility devices used by residents with disabilities, and where devices may be prohibited (sidewalks, linear walkways and beyond the amphitheater levy).
Staff and the solicitor said the ordinance will reflect state guidance (the transcript referenced Pennsylvania Department of Transportation guidance) and recommended phased enforcement with warnings before fines to allow public education. Councilmembers suggested clarifying that the prohibition targets powered devices while exempting nonpowered strollers and manually propelled wheelchairs. The draft also contemplates a progressive fine structure and leaves ultimate penalty decisions to the magistrate.
Council took a motion on the item during the meeting and recorded a roll‑call vote in favor; staff indicated the ordinance will return to council for final review in November with suggested clarifications addressing amphitheater areas and explicit exemptions for assistive devices used by people with disabilities.
