Lock Haven council moves to refine e‑bike and scooter rules after safety concerns

Council members and the police chief told the Lock Haven council on Tuesday they plan to refine local rules and step up education around e‑bikes, scooters and other personal mobility devices after repeated safety concerns.

The chief of police described the problem as broad: “It’s e‑bikes, it’s scooters, it’s bicycles. My goodness,” he said, adding officers are tasked with enforcing applicable laws but the department is short staffed and will prioritize education and targeted enforcement as it rebuilds staffing. He proposed public service announcements and outreach to raise awareness of where different devices are legally allowed to operate.

Staff said the current municipal ordinance primarily addresses pedal cycles and does not capture many of the newer electric vehicles. “A more refined ordinance than what there currently is” will be presented at the next council meeting, staff said, and will draw distinctions between mobility devices intended for sidewalk use and e‑bikes that are street vehicles.

Council members and residents described safety incidents — including near‑misses on Main Street and conflicts on the levee — and pressed for clearer signage, outreach and enforcement. Staff suggested partnering with the university for door‑hanger distribution and other outreach tactics.

Council gave direction to staff to prepare the revised ordinance and to coordinate a public‑education campaign; no ordinance was adopted at Tuesday’s meeting.