As electric scooters grow in popularity nationwide, local authorities in New Britain Township are reminding residents that Pennsylvania law offers limited options for their legal use.
While these compact, motorized vehicles are often seen as a fun and eco-friendly way to get around, their legal status in the Commonwealth remains heavily restricted.
According to the New Britain Township Police, Pennsylvania classifies electric scooters as motor vehicles. As such, they are subject to the same regulations that apply to cars and motorcycles. This includes requirements for titling, registration, equipment standards, and inspections — regulations most electric scooters cannot meet due to their lack of features such as mirrors, headlights, and turn signals.
Without the ability to register and inspect these scooters, their use on public roads is essentially prohibited. Riders attempting to use scooters on local streets could find themselves facing legal consequences.
Sidewalks, often viewed as a safer alternative to roadways, are also off-limits under Pennsylvania law. Title 75 – Section 3703 of the Vehicle Code explicitly forbids the operation of electric scooters on sidewalks, creating further confusion for users seeking a legal way to ride.
One of the main sources of misunderstanding stems from the misclassification of electric scooters as Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDs), such as Segways. EPAMDs are defined as self-balancing, two-non-tandem-wheeled devices with electric propulsion. Since electric scooters are typically tandem and not self-balancing, they do not fall under this legal category.
Given these restrictions, the only place electric scooters can currently be ridden legally in Pennsylvania is on private property. This includes personal yards or other private areas where the rider has been granted permission by the landowner.
New Britain Township Police are urging residents to be mindful of the law when operating electric scooters. Officers have the discretion to issue either warnings or citations for violations. Those cited could face fines for operating these devices in unauthorized areas.
As interest in micromobility options continues to rise, legal changes may eventually offer more flexibility. For now, residents are encouraged to stay updated by reviewing resources provided by PennDOT, which offers fact sheets and guidance on the use of scooters, mopeds, and other personal mobility devices.
