SimpleSimon
Active Member
Bicycles have been regulated for well over a century. The federal code regarding wattage and allowable speed is Commerce Dept regulation aimed at manufacturers and sellers, but does NOT regulate the individual state traffic codes. Those are an entirely state matter, and can be as reestrictive or as permissive as the individual state legislatures care to make them.
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania CAN restrict the use of any type of vehicle they wish to, and the federal law has nothing to say about it. I live in Louisiana, and state law here requires a license endorsement, turn signals, headlight, tail light, horn, registration, insurance, etc on any power assisted bike. Which is why mine will be a Doctor prescribed "disabled mobility assistive bike", for which none of the registration or the licensing applies. My Doctor is quite cooperative, and has agreed to write his prescription to cover my trike. I'll carry a copy of that prescription on the trike at all times.
Good luck in Penn, mrbill.
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania CAN restrict the use of any type of vehicle they wish to, and the federal law has nothing to say about it. I live in Louisiana, and state law here requires a license endorsement, turn signals, headlight, tail light, horn, registration, insurance, etc on any power assisted bike. Which is why mine will be a Doctor prescribed "disabled mobility assistive bike", for which none of the registration or the licensing applies. My Doctor is quite cooperative, and has agreed to write his prescription to cover my trike. I'll carry a copy of that prescription on the trike at all times.
Good luck in Penn, mrbill.
