Montco Raises Fines For E-Bike Violators Amid Crackdown

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County has approved a new series of stricter regulations, including fines, against e-bike users on local trails, they announced at their meeting Thursday.

The move comes after numerous incidents in the county involving speeding e-bikes, groups of teens taunting and fleeing police, and damage caused to trails dedicated for hikers, runners, and bikers.

The new policy raises the fine for e-bike misuse on trails from $100 to $300. Misuse includes speeding, riding on trails marked specifically for non-motorized vehicles, and using e-bikes with too much weight, power, and speed on those trails.

"The trail policies exist to prevent accidents and stop people from getting hurt, but with the increased use of e-bikes on the trails, people’s safety has been at risk," Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija said in a statement. "We’re being proactive by raising the fine, making the public aware, and working with local authorities to enforce violations. So when you’re on the trails, know the rules, follow them, and spread the word."

Following a series of recent incidents in Upper Providence, the local police chief said that many young riders don't have the experience or judgement to handle the high speeds which the bikes quickly reach. They also struggle to recognize how to interact with traffic and the dangers posed by motor vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists.

The new policy limits e-bike weight to 100 pounds and motor power is limited to 750 watts. Their speed may not exceed 15 miles per hour, which is also the speed limit for bicycles on county trails.

Montgomery County has one of the nation's most extensive trail networks, with 100 miles of trails and around 2 million visitors per year. The Schuylkill River Trail is the crown jewel, but there's also the Cross County Trail, the Perkiomen Trail, the Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail, Valley Forge, and more.