08/16/2026
# Kittanning Borough Police Department
# # Public Notification – E-Bike Enforcement
The Kittanning Borough Police Department has received numerous complaints regarding the operation of electric bicycles and other electric-powered vehicles within the Borough.
Complaints have included:
* Riding on sidewalks in the business district;
* Failing to stop at posted stop signs and other traffic-control devices;
* Operating electric motorcycles and other electric-powered vehicles that do not meet Pennsylvania's legal definition of an electric bicycle.
The Kittanning Borough Police Department will be increasing enforcement of the laws governing the operation of e-bikes and other electric-powered vehicles within the Borough.
# # # What is a Legal E-Bike in Pennsylvania?
Under **75 Pa.C.S. § 102**, a "pedalcycle with electric assist" must meet the following requirements:
* **Weight:** No more than 100 pounds;
* **Wheels:** Two or three wheels, with wheels more than 11 inches in diameter;
* **Motor:** Electric motor system rated at no more than 750 watts;
* **Pedals:** The bicycle must be equipped with operable pedals.
* **Speed:** The vehicle must be capable of no more than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered by the motor alone.
A vehicle that does not meet these requirements is **not a Pennsylvania "pedalcycle with electric assist"** and cannot simply be operated as an e-bike. Depending on its design and specifications, it may instead fall under another classification of motor vehicle and be subject to additional registration, licensing, equipment, and operating requirements.
# # # Minimum Age
Pennsylvania law provides under **75 Pa.C.S. § 3514** that:
> No person under 16 years of age shall operate a pedalcycle with electric assist.
Therefore, operators of legal e-bikes must be **at least 16 years of age**.
# # # Traffic Laws Still Apply
E-bike operators are required to obey applicable traffic laws when operating on roadways. This includes obeying **posted stop signs, traffic signals, and other official traffic-control devices**.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to educate themselves and their children regarding Pennsylvania's laws before allowing them to operate an e-bike or other electric-powered vehicle on public streets.
The Kittanning Borough Police Department is asking all riders and parents to familiarize themselves with the law and to operate these vehicles safely and legally.
**The goal of this enforcement effort is to improve safety for riders, pedestrians, motorists, and everyone who uses the streets and sidewalks of Kittanning Borough.**
