In the heart of Allegheny County, a quiet revolution on two wheels is underway. Electric bicycles, or e-bikes have surged in popularity, sparking a wave of regulatory challenges for local municipalities. From West Mifflin to Mt. Lebanon town officials are grappling with how to integrate these motor-assisted bicycles into their communities safely and effectively.
The recent West Mifflin borough council meeting highlighted the growing concerns. Chief of Police Gregory McCulloch faced a barrage of questions about e-bikes, reflecting a statewide trend. Municipalities are scrambling to address the safety and legality of these devices, which have flooded the U.S. market in recent years.
Local ordinances address safety concerns
At least seven municipalities surrounding Pittsburgh have passed or are considering ordinances to regulate e-bike usage on municipal property, including parks and trails. However, these efforts are complicated by state vehicle regulations that haven’t been updated in over a decade. Some officials believe local regulations may be ineffective, but towns like Upper St. Clair and Bethel Park are taking action.
Upper St. Clair passed an e-bike ordinance in June, citing safety concerns. The ordinance imposes limits on e-bike operations on municipal property, including a helmet requirement for riders under 21 and a $100 fine for first-time violators. Adam Benigni the planning and community development director, described the situation as the Wild Wild West emphasizing the need for regulations to ensure safety.
Mt. Lebanon considered a similar ordinance this month, which would have limited e-bike speeds to 15 mph and imposed a maximum $600 fine for violations. Meanwhile, Brentwood recently walked back an earlier ban on e-bikes, clarifying that only the state can regulate their use on non-municipally-owned property.
The rise of e-bikes and the challenges they present
The surge in e-bike popularity is undeniable. U.S. e-bike imports have grown significantly since 2026, with about 2.2 million e-bikes imported in 2026 alone. The bike industry has reinvented itself, with e-bikes making up around 40% of sales at stores like PRO Bike + RUN owned by Craig Cozza.
E-bikes are defined by Pennsylvania law as vehicles under 100 pounds with motors no more than 750 watts and a top speed of 20 mph on a level surface. However, the rise in popularity has coincided with an increase in injuries. A 2026 study from the Physician and Sports Medicine Journal reported a nearly 91% increase in e-bike-related injuries from 2019 to 2026.
The challenges extend beyond traditional e-bikes. Electric motorcycles or e-motos are also gaining traction. These vehicles, often exceeding the 750-watt limit, fall into a legal gray area. Ted King-Smith Bike Pittsburgh’s education manager, noted that e-motos are marketed for private property use but are often used elsewhere, posing a significant problem.
State-level efforts to update regulations
As municipalities grapple with local regulations, state lawmakers are looking to revamp the motor vehicle code. State Rep. Jill Cooper introduced a bill adopting a three-tier classification system for bikes and e-bikes, similar to that used on federal land. Meanwhile, State Sen. James Andrew Malone has sponsored legislation to study e-bike definitions in the state.
The push for updated regulations comes as other states, like New Jersey have already taken action. A New Jersey law signed in January requires licenses for e-bikes that top out at 20 mph and insurance for those reaching 28 mph.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the rise of e-bikes and e-motos presents both opportunities and challenges for Allegheny County municipalities. Balancing safety, regulation, and the benefits of these innovative vehicles will require careful consideration and collaboration between local and state authorities.
