Thinking of riding an e-bike in Pennsylvania? Here are the rules first

Local law enforcement is raising awareness about e-bike safety.

With warm weather approaching and more people using e-bikes, the Upper Merion Township Police Department has shared guidelines to help riders stay safe and informed about e-bike regulations.

Here is a breakdown:

Know your e-bike’s classification

In Pennsylvania, police said e-bikes are classified into three categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.

Each class has its own set of regulations and requirements.

Know equipment and registration requirements

Police shared that you should ensure your e-bikes meet the required equipment standards, including brakes, lights and reflectors.

Some e-bikes may even require registration. You can check with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to see if your bike needs to be registered.

Know where you can ride

It is important to know where it’s legal to operate your e-bike, according to police. Some trails and roads may have restrictions on e-bike use.

Know the age restrictions

Police shared that riders should be aware of the age restrictions for operating an e-bike in Pennsylvania. Riders under a certain age may be prohibited from operating certain classes of e-bikes

Know the safety rules

When riding your e-bike on roads and trails, remember to always follow the rules and wear safety gear.

“Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, and obey traffic laws and signs. Be mindful of pedestrians, other cyclists, and motor vehicles,” police wrote.