In late May, a 12-year-old was severely injured after crashing an e-bike into a vehicle near the intersection of School and Eau Claire streets in Butler.

Parents, or anyone who has children in their lives, should acquaint themselves with the laws around electric bikes, electric and non-electric scooters.

Pennsylvania requires riders to be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike on public roads or bike paths only. This minimum age applies to all classes of e-bikes, according to PennDOT.

Riders younger than 16 can operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, but only under adult supervision and only in controlled situations, such as at parks and designated bike paths, according to Experience Pennsylvania.

When in doubt about where you’re allowed to ride and where to avoid, check with local municipalities to find out their regulations.

In Pennsylvania, Class 3 e-bikes that can reach speeds of 28 mph are prohibited. Permitted Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can only reach a maximum speed of 20 mph.

Helmets are required for anyone age 12 and younger on any bicycle, including e-bikes. Helmets are strongly recommended for anyone over the age of 12, but not required.

E-bikes are permitted on most public roads, but there can be restrictions based on the speed limit on certain roads. E-bikes are also allowed on most bike paths, but some paths that are more nature-focused or are off-road and unpaved may restrict the higher speed e-bikes due to environmental concerns.

A license is not required for e-bikes, but lighting is when operating after dark.

A motorized pedal cycle, or moped, requires a Pennsylvania registration plate, a Class C driver’s license and insurance to operate on public roads, according to PennDOT. A helmet is required for anyone younger than 21

In Pennsylvania, electric scooters can only be operated on private property and are never permitted on public roads or sidewalks. Motor scooters require riders to be 16 or older, to have a Class M driver’s license and for anyone younger than 21 to wear a helmet.

Scooters without a motor of any kind are treated like pedal cycles or normal bicycles, according to Pennsylvania’s vehicle code, and can be ridden in most places except for on freeways. Regular bicycles — pedal cycles — and e-bikes can be ridden on sidewalks, but they’re never permitted on sidewalks in business districts. But, scooter riders have the responsibilities as bicycle riders — they must follow all traffic laws, use bike lanes when available and yield to vehicles.

There is a lot to know to keep children and adults safe on the streets, this is just a taste. To learn more, refer to the state vehicle code or Experience Pennsylvania’s website.

The incident involving the 12-year-old in Butler is under investigation, but we know the child suffered what was referred to as a “severe hip injury,” in a collision with a motor vehicle. Anyone who has purchased bikes or scooters of any kind for children must brush up on what is legal, what is safe and should teach young people how to protect themselves.

Let’s not let a tragedy teach us. Let’s learn together now.

— KL