Logan Township official suggests e-bike task force
Logan supervisors chairman seeks generalized ordinance to regulate e-bikes
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Logan Township supervisors Chairman Jim Patterson Thursday suggested that Blair County municipalities should convene a task force to look into the possibility of developing a generalized ordinance to regulate e-bikes.
Patterson referred to a Sept. 26 accident on Sandbank Road that killed a 14-year-old boy and cited a recent incident in which Patterson himself was driving on the 17th Street bridge late in the evening when he encountered someone on an e-bike coming toward him in the middle of his lane, going the wrong way -- nearly causing a crash.
Patterson asked police Chief Devon Moran to begin the effort by discussing it with fellow municipal police chiefs.
E-bike operators have been running red lights, riding against traffic and crossing lanes illegally in the township, said Logan Manager Tim Brown.
He saw one rider on Park Avenue turn left onto Frankstown Road, crossing traffic onto the berm on the left side -- thus riding illegally against traffic, Brown said.
There have been e-bikes on I-99 between 17th Street and Plank Road, where they're not legal, Patterson said.
Parents are giving their kids e-bikes and failing to educate them on safety, Moran said.
Many riders use e-bikes responsibly, but those who don't are not only putting themselves at risk, but subjecting drivers of cars and trucks to risks associated with hitting them accidentally, Patterson said.
In many cases, that could create insurance troubles to innocent operators of regular motor vehicles, Patterson said.
One problem with e-bikes is that they're silent, making it less obvious when one is approaching, Patterson said.
E-bikes are also a problem on sidewalks, especially because of that silence, said Rick Meintel, a member of the township Planning Commission.
State law
State law does not require a driver's license, insurance, a registration or title for e-bikes, according to online sources, including the Rothrauff Electric Bikes website, and Moran.
It does, however, require e-bike operators to be at least 16 years old if riding on public roads or property.
It allows operators to ride on the right side of the road with traffic, or in the right lanes of roads, like other vehicles.
It also allows operators to ride on sidewalks, except in downtowns.
It prohibits operating e-bikes when under the influence or when using headphones or earbuds in both ears.
It requires that motor assist cuts off at 20 mph, that the bikes generate no more than 750 watts, that riders can pedal them manually and that the bike weighs less than 100 pounds.
Motorized bikes, those that operate with a gas engine, require operators to hold a valid drivers license and vehicle insurance.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.