The purpose of this article is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all residents and visitors in South Fayette Township by regulating the use of e-bikes and other electrically motorized devices, such as scooters, on property owned by South Fayette Township and in Township-owned public parks and open spaces.
Unless otherwise defined in this section, words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Vehicle Code of Pennsylvania, as now in force, or as hereafter amended, enacted, or reenacted, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
A pedal cycle with electric assistance. Per the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, for a vehicle to be classified as an e-bike, it must:
Weigh no more than 100 pounds.
Not exceed 20 mph through motor power on a level surface when powered by the motor source only.
Have a motor that does not exceed 750 watts in power output.
Have functional and operational pedals.
Have two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter.
Rider must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike in Pennsylvania legally but does not require a driver's license.
Does not require title, registration or insurance.
The term does not include a device specifically designed for use by persons with disabilities.
A two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine or an electric motor that does not have a seat or saddle for the driver.
These vehicles are not exempt from title and registration requirements as set forth by PennDOT and would be required to pass equipment standards and inspection requirements. However, these vehicles do not comply with the equipment standards and inspection requirements for motor vehicles and cannot be titled or registered within the commonwealth.
A motor vehicle (does not have pedals) having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and 1) designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, or 2) designed to travel on two wheels in contact with the ground which is modified by the addition of two stabilizing wheels on the rear of the motor vehicle and a motor producing five brake horsepower or more.
This vehicle must meet one of the two classifications listed:
A natural-surface route, not limited to grass or dirt, designed for recreational pedestrian and hiking purposes of various widths.
Off-road vehicle shall be defined as an ATV, dune buggy, or dirt bike.
Any person traveling on foot, including those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
All parks, trails, open spaces and recreational areas owned or managed by South Fayette Township, including, but not limited to:
More than eight feet wide, paved, off-street pathways designed to serve nonmotorized travelers and frequently used by pedestrians, cyclists, roller skaters, skateboarders, wheelchair users, and users of other modes.
Property owned by South Fayette Township, including, but not limited to, property boundaries within:
A paved or crushed limestone route designed for recreational pedestrian purposes of various widths less than eight feet wide.
All persons operating a motorized pedalcycle, motor-driven cycle and motorcycle shall be subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75), reference PA Micromobility Fact Sheet Chart as Appendix A, except as to special provisions contained in Chapter 35 of the PA Vehicle Code and except as to those provisions of the PA Vehicle Code which by their nature can have no application.
A.
Proper use.
(1)
A person propelling an e-bike or e-scooter device shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the e-bike. Wheelies, jumps and tricks are prohibited.
(2)
Stay on the designated path. Do not go off the trail (even to pass), create new trails, or cut switchbacks.
(3)
Obey all path, trail and road signs.
(4)
Do not block the path, trail or roadway.
(5)
Yield to pedestrians. All operators of e-bikes must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times while on South Fayette Township property. This includes:
B.
Age restriction. All operators of e-bikes or e-scooters must be at least 16 years of age.
C.
Helmet requirement. All operators of e-bikes and e-scooters under the age of 21 must wear a helmet at all times while operating the device.
D.
Speed limit. On the permitted pathways and roads, the speed limit for e-bikes and e-scooters is 15 miles per hour.
E.
Hours of operation. Permitted devices may be operated only in permitted areas from dawn to dusk.
F.
Pathway and road limitations.
(2)
Walking trails.
(a)
E-bikes are permitted on walking trails where traditional bikes are allowed, unless otherwise marked as prohibited to bikes.
(b)
E-bike users must propel their e-bikes by pedaling on walking trails; the use of the throttle-only functionality is not permitted on walking trails.
(c)
Riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and maintain a safe distance.
(3)
Park roads.
(a)
E-bikes are permitted on roadways within Township parks or Township property.
(b)
Riders must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and maintain a safe distance. Riders must operate using hand signs and adhere to all roadway traffic signs (for example, stop signs). The operator does not require a driver's license but must be at least 16 years of age.
A.
Passenger. No e-bike or e-scooter device shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which the device is designed and equipped.
C.
Area restrictions.
(1)
E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited from being used on grass, farm preservations, parking lots, fields, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, splash pads, and open spaces within the parks and Township property.
(2)
E-bikes and e-scooters are prohibited in designated event spaces and roadways during Township events from set-up, duration, and clean-up. The Township reserves the right to extend restrictions during Township events.
D.
Unauthorized vehicles.
(1)
Any motorized vehicle other than a maintenance, police, fire, ambulance or other Township vehicle.
(2)
Motorized pedalcycle (MOPED), motor-driven cycle motorcycles, and off-road vehicles defined in § 183-49 of this chapter.
(3)
Unauthorized vehicles are PROHIBITED from being used on shared-use trails/paths, walking trails/paths, nature trails, grass, farm preservations, parking lots, athletic fields, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, dog parks, splash pads, or open spaces within the parks and Township property.
E.
Restricted hours of operation.
(1)
Permitted devices may be operated only in permitted areas during park hours.
F.
Responsibility of parent or guardian. The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of an e-bike, motor-driven cycle, or electrically motorized device.