HomeHBC E-Bike Policy

Harrisburg Bicycle Club E-Bike Policy

Background –

Human-only powered bicycles have grown in popularity and have evolved through a variety of configurations since the mid-1800s. The e-bike is a relatively new variation. E-bikes provide an electro-mechanical assistance to the human power propelling a bicycle.

The Harrisburg Bicycle Club (“Club” or “HBC”) supports safe, lawful, and inclusive cycling and establishes this policy to ensure e-bike use aligns with Pennsylvania law and club safety standards

Pennsylvania Laws –[1]

Unlike most states, Pennsylvania doesn’t regulate e-bikes according to a classification system (like Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes). Instead, Pennsylvania has regulations for e-bikes and doesn’t differentiate between types of bikes based on characteristics like motor power. That said, the state has precise criteria for what qualifies as a “street legal” e-bike.

E-bikes are defined as “Pedalcycles with electric assist,” so long as the e-bike’s motor is no greater than 750 W, has a maximum speed of 20 mph on a level surface when powered by the motor source only, weighs no more than 100 lbs., has wheels > 11in in diameter, and has operable pedals.

If an e-bike meets these criteria it is treated like a conventional bicycle under state law affording the same rights and responsibilities for the operator.

However, if an e-bike does not meet these criteria, (for ex. can go more than 20 mph on a level surface when powered by a motor source only), the e-bike is considered a “motor vehicle” and it must be registered and insured.[2]

Harrisburg Bicycle Club “Pedal Assist Bicycles” Policy:

The Harrisburg Bicycle Club Board of Directors stands by its mission to include cyclists at all levels while promoting safety.

Members of the Harrisburg Bicycle Club and guests may ride bicycles with electric assist motors on Club rides and events, provided:

The bicycle meets Pennsylvania law for e-bikes and the e-bicyclist follows Pennsylvania and local laws regarding e-bikes.
The bicycle has not been modified from the manufacturer’s specifications.
If the bicycle is outfitted with a throttle control (powered without pedaling), the Club encourages that the bike only be used in the pedal assist mode during Club events.
E-bike riders shall “blend in” and ride at human powered speeds and not exploit or use motor assistance to dominate, push, or increase the ride pacing above solely-human – powered levels. Ride Leaders retain full authority to exclude any rider who is discourteous, unsafe, or compromising to group cohesion. Ride Leaders may direct riders to fall back to the rear of the pack or leave the ride if misuse of motorized propulsion is suspected.
It is not the responsibility of the Club or Ride Leader to determine if the rider is using an e-bike in accord with the applicable state and local law, but rather it is the rider’s responsibility to know and comply with current Club policy and any applicable state and local laws.
An e-bike rider should ensure they have sufficient battery reserve.
Just like all bike riders on Harrisburg Bicycle Club rides, e-bike riders are expected to follow all of the rules and guidelines outlined in the “Harrisburg Bicycle Club’s Cycling Handbook”, which can be found on the Club website.

Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated and non-applicable. Harrisburg Bicycle Club strongly encourages checking with City, County, State and other local agencies for the most recent laws governing the proper, legal use of electric bicycles in your area or the areas in which Harrisburg Bicycle Club rides.

[1] The following information is not legal advice and is only provided as a basic overview of laws/regulations as HBC understands them.

[2] Registering and insuring these vehicles is often impossible because they do not comply with other safety regulations that motorcycles or mopeds require. As such, using these “e-bikes” are generally only permitted on private land or places where someone could ride a dirtbike.

Adapted by Harrisburg Bicycle Club 03/11/2026