As electric bicycles become increasingly popular among children and teenagers in Mount Lebanon, residents are raising questions about how to keep riders and everyone who shares the road safe.
In recent weeks, numerous residents have posted on neighborhood social media pages describing near misses involving young e-bike riders. While no serious e-bike crashes involving children have been publicly reported in the municipality, the recurring concerns have prompted discussion about rider education, helmet use and whether Pennsylvania’s laws have kept pace with the growing popularity of e-bikes.
Among the behaviors residents have described are children riding through stop signs, crossing intersections without looking, traveling against traffic, carrying multiple riders on a single bike, using mobile phones while riding and riding without helmets.
E-bikes have become a common sight throughout Mount Lebanon, with young riders traveling to parks, swimming pools, athletic fields and friends’ homes. Unlike traditional bicycles, many electric bicycles can travel at speeds up to 20 mph with motor assistance, reducing reaction time for both riders and motorists.
Safety experts say that speed makes understanding the rules of the road especially important.
Many young riders have not yet reached driving age and may be unfamiliar with right-of-way rules, stopping distances, blind spots and other traffic laws. Drivers, meanwhile, may not anticipate how quickly an e-bike can approach an intersection or enter a roadway.
Under Pennsylvania law, an e-bike is classified as a “pedalcycle with electric assist” if it has operable pedals, weighs no more than 100 pounds, has a motor rated at no more than 750 watts and cannot exceed 20 mph under motor power. Riders are required to follow the same traffic laws that apply to traditional bicycles, including obeying traffic signals and riding in the same direction as traffic. State law also prohibits anyone younger than 16 from operating an e-bike on public roads, and riders younger than 12 must wear a helmet. Safety organizations recommend helmet use for riders of all ages.
As e-bike use continues to increase, state lawmakers are also examining whether Pennsylvania’s regulations should be updated. Earlier this year, a bipartisan resolution was introduced in the General Assembly directing a statewide study of e-bike laws. The review will examine issues such as rider safety, age requirements, vehicle classifications and whether changes to state law are needed to address the rapid growth of electric bicycles.
Parents and cycling advocates say education remains one of the most important tools for preventing crashes. They encourage families to teach children traffic laws before allowing them to ride independently, ensure helmets fit properly, eliminate distractions such as mobile phones and earbuds, and emphasize predictable riding habits.
Mount Lebanon’s walkable streets and extensive park system have made bicycling a popular way for children to get around the community. As e-bike use continues to grow, many residents hope increased awareness, rider education and any future updates to state law will help ensure riders, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists can continue sharing the roads safely.
With children spending more time outdoors during the summer months, many believe now is the right time for those conversations—before a close call becomes a serious accident.
