E-Bikes and more...Micromobility



Here in Pennsylvania, we are seeing a lot of discussion and visibility of electric

scooters, skateboards, and E-Bikes (Electric Pedalcycle) especially on the streets of

Doylestown, PA. And most of the people we see on these “micromobility” vehicles are

operated by people to young to have a valid drivers license and drive a car. We often

see them without a helmet. Here’s a description of each vehicle:


What is an E-Bike?

These are operated by human power and can be assisted with an electric motor. The

E-Bike must be equipped with operable pedals and can exceed 20 mph when powered

by the motor. The E-Bike must weigh less than 100 pounds, and the motor must be less

than 750 watts. The E-Bike operator must be at least 16 years old.


What is an E- Scooter?

E-Scooter falls under the definition of a vehicle, and are not exempt from registration

and insurance, as set forth by the Commonwealth of PA. However, most electric

scooters do not have the necessary safety equipment (turn signals and mirrors) to

comply with inspection and registration requirements. This effectively makes the E-

scooter illegal to ride on state roads. Operators must be 16 years of age, and have a

valid drivers license.


What is a Motorized Pedalcycle and Scooter?

These are motor or electric powered cycles equipped with or without pedals. There are

no power limits, and they have a maximum design speed under 25 mph. Both the

motorized pedalcyle and the motor scooter require Commonwealth registration,

insurance, and annual inspection. Operators of these vehicles must be 16 years of age,

and have a valid drivers license.


What is an Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD)?

Think of hoverboards and segways. They are often confused with electric scooters.

This vehicle is a self-balancing, two wheel, non-tandem-wheeled device. Designed to

move only one person with electric power. These vehicles are not permitted on

highways, and children under 12 must wear a helmet.



And what about the newly designed golf cart or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles?


These mobility vehicles are growing in use in the suburbs, but they must be equipped

with safety controls; Brakes, speedometer, windshield wiper, horn, and a slow-moving

vehicle decal are required.

  • Can only be driven on roadways with posted speed limits of 25 mph or less.
  • May only cross roads (if more than two lanes), at intersections with traffic lights.
  • Must be registered with the Commonwealth, insured, operated by a licensed driver.


Here is Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation fact sheet on Micromobility vehicles:


e-bikes and micromobility

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The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

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Pennsylvania's Distracted Driving Law Effective June 5, 2026, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. Pennsylvania’s hands-free law may be referred to as Paul Miller’s Law. Paul Miller was killed in 2010 when a distracted driver crossed a center grass divider and traveled head-on into Paul’s car. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison. As a primary offense, drivers can be stopped by police if they have a mobile device in their hand while driving. The law: Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer, or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data. Defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device (e.g., a traffic light or stop sign), or other momentary delay. Defines the use of an interactive mobile device as using at least one hand to hold, or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive mobile device, dialing or answering an interactive mobile device by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for an interactive mobile device that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt. A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property. Pennsylvania's Texting-While-Driving Ban The law prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive mobile device to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion.  Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data. Defines a text-based communication as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an interactive mobile device. Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers. " Faces of Distracted Driving " is an online photo series exploring the tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use behind the wheel by sharing the stories of people from across the country who have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. Click here to view "Faces of Distracted Driving." Dtown Insurance agents have many years of experience in auto insurance. Our agents prioritize getting you the right coverage for the best price available. One of the best auto insurance carriers we work is AAA, one of the country’s largest and most reputable insurance carrier in the United States. Call today .
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