Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council says state law limits borough's ability to regulate e-bikes locally
Summary
Council discussed a proposed e-bike ordinance but was told state law (Title 39) restricts municipal action; the council concluded a standalone local ban would likely be unenforceable and will defer to forthcoming state guidance.
Council members reviewed a proposed local ordinance to regulate electric bicycles and sought guidance on what a municipality may lawfully do. One councilor summarized the legal constraint: "there are very limited things a municipality can do" beyond allowing or disallowing e-bikes on trails the municipality controls. The council cited Title 39 as the controlling state vehicle code for operating rules and helmet requirements.
Police and legal staff said enforcement on quasi‑public spaces (shopping centers) is limited unless the property owner requests police assistance. The police representative described enforcement options and said officers could educate riders at problem times. The council's working conclusion was that a standalone municipal e‑bike ordinance would likely be unenforceable in the face of state preemption; they will monitor state rulemaking and take action only where local authority is clear (for example, trail access or privately requested enforcement).
