Ebike state statutes

[nutnspecial]

Pennsylvania law classifies e-bikes as “Mopeds” and requires them to be registered, insured and the operator to have a class “c” driver’s license. We are one of only five states restricting the use of electric bikes in this manner. The Federal Government, under HR727, classifies them as bicycles.

http://electricbikereport.com/electric-bikes-in-pa-need-your-help/

Since I didn't want to find out the hard way, I am searching for info on PA ebike law, as it's my understanding state law supercedes federal law in the matter.
Astonished to find this article, and I'm hoping that something has changed since.

Honestly PA never ceases to amaze me. I think we are the only state that doesn't allow ANY aftermarket tint on ANY 'passenger cars'. I painted the rear windows of my camping station wagon, to hopefully void any tint laws :lol:

 

[gogo]

it's my understanding state law supercedes federal law

Its the other way around. The states can't have laws that restrict or regulate more than the federal law. Where people misunderstand is that federal law only pertains to commercial manufacture and sale, not use. The states have 100% control over use.

 

[nutnspecial]

Interesting. So what you're saying pertains also to the states vs federal on the cannabis subject?

I did find this http://motor-assisted-bicycling.1062526.n5.nabble.com/Motorized-Bicycle-Laws-A-List-of-Gov-t-Sites-td5552249.html It has links for every state I think.

There is a note on 'PEDALCYCLES" which are defined as 20mph motor driven max &750watts. Not to exeed 100lbs and with larger than 11" wheels. They don't require license, reg, or insure.
So they're 'note' seems to coincide with federal.

So it seems I have enough info when the time comes to chat with Johnnylaw. 8)

 

[cycborg]

Interesting. So what you're saying pertains also to the states vs federal on the cannabis subject?

Absolutely. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal level even in the states that have legalized it. For the time being the law enforcement apparatus as a whole has chosen not to enforce the federal law, but this is a matter of discretion, not legislation.

 

[jimw1960]

The states can't have laws that restrict or regulate more than the federal law.

That is not correct. When two laws, federal and state, cover the same topic, the more restrictive laws apply.

 

[amberwolf]

If you read aroudn teh forums, or look in the ES Wiki, there are already a number of threads discussing ebike laws. Some are state specific, some are about the federal CPSC regulation, and some talk about what the laws should or could be.

They woudl be easier to find, but many people complain when threads about the same subject get merged together because they always want to ahve their own separate threads to rehash the same thing over and over again, so they remain scattered about, wasting everyone's time, because almost no one can be bothered to search for and read previous threads, and just start a new one instead.

 

[nutnspecial]

Thanks for the help AW,
the mods can move this over to my 'ExpresS yourself' thread or combine it with another of like subject if they wish. !

PS guys, local, state and federal is a good topic by itself prob. I'm not 100% clear so will do some reading up.

 

[aroundqube]

Pennsylvania law classifies e-bikes as “Mopeds” and requires them to be registered, insured and the operator to have a class “c” driver’s license. We are one of only five states restricting the use of electric bikes in this manner. The Federal Government, under HR727, classifies them as bicycles.

http://electricbikereport.com/electric-bikes-in-pa-need-your-help/

Since I didn't want to find out the hard way, I am searching for info on PA ebike law, as it's my understanding state law supercedes federal law in the matter.
Astonished to find this article, and I'm hoping that something has changed since.

Honestly PA never ceases to amaze me. I think we are the only state that doesn't allow ANY aftermarket tint on ANY 'passenger cars'. I painted the rear windows of my camping station wagon, to hopefully void any tint laws :lol:

E-Bikes are legal now in PA. See - http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2013&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=0573&pn=4170 follow the related links from there. The bill was passed by the Senate, the House , and signed by the Gov.

 

[nutnspecial]

Thanks man, that's the actually legislation and backs up the correctly political term pedalcycle. Without knowing that, I could see picking up a fine or worse by the 'peace officer' if they mistakenly classify as a moped.

 

[LockH]

Sorry. Coming late to the party... but re ebikes in Pennsylvania, seen here:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/20151219/local_businessman_touts_e-bikes_as_a_green_alternative

... in part:

In November 2014, e-bike supporters got good news when Pennsylvania legislators passed Act 154 of the state vehicle code, which allows riders of pedal-assist electric bikes to drive their vehicles on the streets. It also does not call for electric bicycle owners to have insurance for or register their bikes, as motor vehicles are required to do.

In Pennsylvania, e-bikes cannot travel faster than 20 miles per hour by motor power alone, and they must be equipped with functional pedals and a motor of 750 watts or less.

... plus the usual watts happening elsewhere/explosion of use... elsewhere, re ebikes.

L

 

[aroundqube]

Nice find . Positive press coverage ; " cool people ride ebikes " .