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Police chief warns e-bikes and scooters may be unlawful on borough streets; enforcement and education planned
Summary
The police chief told residents several classes of electric bikes and scooters are unlawful on borough streets, that riders under 16 must wear helmets and some vehicles require registration or a license, and that officers have been citing and warning riders while the department will post PennDOT guidance and pursue education efforts.
Bridgeport's police chief told residents the borough has seen a range of electric bicycles and scooters in use and that many of those vehicles do not meet the legal requirements for operation on public streets.
The chief said there are multiple classes of powered bicycle-like vehicles and that rules vary: riders younger than 16 must wear helmets, and some higher-powered vehicles (the chief cited a 750-watt threshold) require registration or a license. "It's unlawful to use that on public streets," the chief said of certain motorized bikes that lack pedals or exceed statutory power limits. Officers have been stopping riders, issuing warnings and citations, and the chief said the department will post a PennDOT chart that clarifies what is legal and what is not.
The chief said the department is pursuing education alongside enforcement and has discussed partnering with a motorcycle-awareness trainer to deliver community instruction. He urged parents to check products they buy for children and said some large electric bikes can reach speeds of 50 to 60 mph and thus require licensing and registration.
Next steps: the chief said he will repost PennDOT guidance on social media, continue enforcement when officers observe unlawful vehicles, and explore community education sessions to reduce risks to children and other road users.
