The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners recently voted to increase the fine for e-bike violations on county trails from $100 to $300, writes Tim Jimenez for KYW Newsradio.
The commissioners cited the accidents and injuries from the increased use of e-bikes on local trails as the reason for tripling the fine.
“We’re being proactive by raising the fine, making the public aware, and working with local authorities to enforce violations,” said Neil Makhija, the chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “So when you’re on the trails, know the rules, follow them, and spread the word.”
The rules include restrictions based on weight, power and speed. E-bikes may weigh no more than 100 pounds, must have a motor of more than 750 watts, and must have working pedals. Additionally, a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit applies to bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, tricycles and any other devices used on the trails.
Montgomery County is home to more than 100 miles of trails that connect to Philadelphia and other neighboring counties, including the Schuylkill River Trail, which recorded almost a million visitors last year.
Read more about the updated e-bike regulations and how Montgomery County is working to keep its popular trail system safe for everyone at KYW Newsradio.
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