Oct 16, 2024 By Jon Andreassi 3 min read

Peters Township council enacted an ordinance Monday aimed at controlling the use of “electric motorcycles” by the local youth.

Council passed the ordinance unanimously. Chairman Tom Pirosko was absent from Monday evening’s meeting.

Peters Township police Cpt. Judd Emery was on hand and told council they have received daily reports of young people riding electric motorcycles in the municipality. Emery said the bikes have no pedals and can reach speeds in excess of 35 mph.

The new rules require that electric bike operators be at least 16 years old, and anyone under the age of 21 is required to wear a helmet. Electric bikes are only permitted to be ridden on paved pathways, and not allowed on township owned property after dusk.

Parents can be held responsible if they permit any unauthorized use of electric bikes. The township will be required to post signs informing residents of the regulations.

Township Manager Paul Lauer explained that the ordinance is one step in curbing what has become an issue in Peters Township.

“We don’t want anyone to believe that by adopting this ordinance we’re going to solve this problem easily. The fact of the matter is a lot of the activity we’re seeing, particularly when these bikes are being used on roadways, is already against the motor vehicle code. It’s just not easy to catch them,” Lauer said.

According to Emery, it is difficult for police to identify who is riding the bikes, and officers do not pursue them due to safety concerns.

“Our problem is stopping them. We’re not going to chase a motorcycle, we’re not going to chase a kid on a motorcycle and then have something bad happen,” Emery said.

Emery said officials need to communicate with parents that the bikes require a driver’s license to be used on the roadways, as well as proper vehicle registration.

“They can ride them on private property. They can’t ride them on the roadways,” Emery said.

Councilman Frank Arcuri expressed concern that the use of the electric bikes could lead to someone being seriously injured.

“I don’t want to see that happen … That’s why we’re trying to do what we can,” Arcuri said.

Emery agreed, but said it is “inevitable” if local adolescents continue misusing the bikes. He did not mince words about the potential consequences.

“It’s gonna happen. One of these kids is going to get seriously hurt or killed on one of these motorcycles,” Emery said. “We’re doing the best we can.”