The Mt. Lebanon Commission has decided against adopting a new ordinance regulating e-bikes and other micromobility devices, opting instead to emphasize education and enforcement under existing Pennsylvania law.
Commission President Jeff Siegler announced at the July 28 meeting that the proposed ordinance had been removed from the agenda after officials determined existing state and local laws already address many of the concerns raised by residents.
“Ultimately, we realized that we could address these concerns without creating a new ordinance,” Siegler said. “We’re going to focus on education and enforcement to achieve the same goals.”
The decision follows months of public discussion about the growing popularity of electric bicycles, scooters and other battery-powered mobility devices throughout the municipality.
Police Chief Jason Haberman said the department has developed a comprehensive
education campaign in partnership with the Mt. Lebanon School District, municipal staff and public safety agencies. The initiative is designed to educate parents, young riders and police officers about the laws governing e-bikes and other micromobility devices.
Haberman said police documented six micromobility-related incidents during the past year, three of which involved riders younger than 16. During recent bicycle patrols, officers also contacted more than 30 young riders to explain where the devices may legally be operated and the traffic laws that apply to them.
“We really want to make sure everyone understands the boundaries when it comes to these things,” Haberman said, adding that community cooperation will be essential to improving safety.
Commissioner Andrew Flynn said the discussion reflects a broader challenge as transportation technology continues to evolve.
Flynn noted that laws and regulations often struggle to keep pace with new technology. Rather than having municipalities adopt different rules, he said he would like to see the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and state lawmakers work together to modernize and simplify the state’s approach to micromobility devices, so communities have clearer guidance moving forward.
Public comment reflected both the opportunities and challenges presented by the growing popularity of e-bikes.
Several residents described witnessing young riders traveling at high speeds, rolling through stop signs, riding against traffic and creating close calls with motorists and pedestrians.
Resident Becky Campanaro shared two recent incidents that reinforced her concerns, including one in which her newly licensed teenage son narrowly avoided striking an e-bike rider after hesitating before entering an intersection.
“The important point is that a serious collision was narrowly avoided because a newly licensed driver exercised patience and good judgment,” Campanaro said.
Patty Lowe described a young rider speeding past her on a sidewalk in Washington Square.
“If I had been hit with that at my age, I might not be here talking tonight,” she said, while adding that she still wants children to enjoy the freedom of riding bikes.
Not all the public comments, however, focused on restrictions.
Speaking on behalf of young riders, Mt. Lebanon resident Enzo Alisa said e-bikes provide teenagers with independence in a community where steep hills, limited public transportation and the absence of school bus service can make getting around difficult without relying on parents.
“E-bikes aren’t just about breaking the law,” Alisa said. “They’re an escape.”
He said riding gives many teenagers an opportunity to spend time outdoors, away from screens, while also benefiting their mental health.
“If we ride them safely and follow all the traffic laws, we should be allowed to ride them,” Alisa said.
Alisa also noted that many young riders work for months to save enough money to purchase an e-bike and said banning them outright would unfairly penalize responsible riders.
He added that Mt. Lebanon’s lack of bike lanes leaves young cyclists with few practical transportation options.
“I would also like to point out how there’s really no other option because Mt. Lebanon doesn’t have any bike lanes,” he said.
Others echoed the need for better bicycle infrastructure.
Sean Battis said he has witnessed unsafe riding behavior and recently experienced a close call while walking on a sidewalk. At the same time, he urged officials to remember that children need safe ways to travel independently and argued the municipality should invest in bicycle infrastructure.
“We have no cycling infrastructure in our municipality, and it’s clear that the need is urgent,” Battis said.
Resident Kirill Tropin said he felt comfortable commuting by bicycle while living near Seattle because of its protected bike lanes. After moving to Mt. Lebanon, however, he said he has never felt safe enough to ride to work or local businesses.
“I don’t feel safe riding a bike in Mt. Lebanon,” Tropin said, urging the municipality to move beyond planning and begin building bicycle infrastructure.
Although opinions differed on the best path forward, speakers largely agreed on one point: no one wants to wait until a child, or pedestrian is seriously injured before taking action.
For now, that action will focus on educating riders and parents, enforcing existing laws and continuing the conversation as e-bikes become an increasingly common part of daily life in Mt. Lebanon.
