LANCASTER, PA − June 5, 2026 − Today, State Senator James Andrew Malone (D-Lancaster) convened a roundtable comprising Lancaster County leaders, law enforcement, active transit advocates, healthcare professionals, and others to discuss how Pennsylvania can promote safety and responsibility among e-bike users.
During the conversation, participants answered Senator Malone’s questions about state versus local decision-making, e-bike rider education, e-bike and e-scooter regulation/enforcement, and health concerns.
“Today’s conversation was an important step towards understanding the state of play regarding e-bike usage in Pennsylvania, and I was grateful for the input of the local leaders who participated,” said Senator Malone. “I believe the most important part of the legislative process is listening to people on the ground who have direct experience with the issues lawmakers are working on. As I work to pass a resolution that would direct the Joint State Government Commission to study and create recommendations around e-bike safety, I will be taking today’s testimony with me to Harrisburg.”
In Lancaster County, e-bike usage has soared in recent years, in no small part because of their affordability and lack of regulation, meaning no license or permit is required to operate e-bikes or e-scooters. This has been encouraged by the expansion of bikeshare programs to include rentable e-bikes, such as the addition of 25 e-bikes to the Bike It Lancaster program or rentable e-bikes along the Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail by way of Lititz Bike Works.
Nationwide, e-bikes have led to over 360,000 emergency room visits between 2017 and 2022 alone. This past April, an e-bike rider seriously injured a pedestrian in downtown Lancaster, and a separate e-bike rider was killed in East Hempfield. While a few boroughs and townships have sought to regulate their use or encourage safety, a patchwork approach can create confusion among riders without delivering the intended safety outcomes.
Recently, Senator Malone introduced a bipartisan study resolution, which, if passed by the Pennsylvania Senate, would direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a report with recommendations for an updated statutory framework that recognizes the increased capabilities of modern e-bikes and accounts for safety, infrastructure development, and e-bike rider permitting. Study resolutions only need to pass one chamber to be adopted and enacted.
During today’s roundtable, participants shared their perspectives on the place e-bikes and other forms of micro-transit have in Lancaster while acknowledging gaps in education and legal requirements around the sale and use of e-bikes.
Statement from Ephrata Police Chief Christopher McKim:
“E-bikes and other micromobility conveyances certainly have a place in our culture. Education about the law, and perhaps some requirements of the vendors would both contribute to public understanding and public safety as they relate to this issue.”
Statement from Karen Schloer, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster:
“E-bikes are a great asset to our transportation community. Safety should always be our first priority for the user, community and our kids. The advancement of technology moves fast, so commissioning a study to learn how the technology in transportation is being used, benefits of it and safety risks is responsible. Conducting a study will help us make informed decisions to influence policy and create regulations that allow e-bikes to be beneficial and safe.”
Statement from Kelly Tice, Trauma Injury Prevention, Education, Outreach Coordinator at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health:
“As a Level I Trauma Center, we’re seeing a clear increase in both the frequency and severity of injuries related to e-mobility devices. Participating in the Senator’s roundtable allows us to share frontline insight and advocate for stronger safety measures, education, and policy. We strongly support laws that promote the safety and visibility of riders, including requirements for helmets, reflective gear, and proper lighting. Our goal is to raise awareness and partner with the community to prevent injuries before they happen.”
Statement from Laura Pauls-Thomas, Founder of Ride, Roll, & Stroll Lancaster:
“Within the last few years, e-bikes have proven themselves to be an essential form of micromobility for Lancastrians of all ages, abilities, and incomes. E-bikes create access and opportunity for people who can’t drive, don’t drive, or choose not to drive. As more people are finding their freedom on e-bikes, however, legislation should prioritize safety for all road users who are affected by e-bike use, and we need to have smart policy that recognizes the nuances of the types of e-bikes in ways that don’t restrict an individual’s ability to get to work, doctor’s appointments, visit friends, or wherever else they’re going.”
Statement from Linford Good, Lancaster resident and pedestrian safety advocate:
“An e-bike is heavier than a standard bike and can travel faster. This higher mass and speed result in more severe collisions. Pedestrian safety around e-bikes relies on speed control and predictability. To protect pedestrians, riders should yield right-of-way, announce when passing, and avoid sidewalks. If it is necessary to ride on a sidewalk where allowed, turn off the electric motor or walk the e-bike, as sidewalks are primarily for people on foot.”
Since he was sworn in in May 2025, Senator Malone has led the charge in the Pennsylvania Senate on community safety, specifically regarding vulnerable communities confronting emerging, unregulated technologies. After listening to underage victims of AI-generated pornographic images, Senator Malone introduced legislation to close a loophole that exempted mandated reporters from taking action when presented with AI-generated child sex abuse material.
Senator Malone has prioritized gathering feedback and taking action on issues related to community safety and public health. After holding a hearing in Columbia on safeguarding private water wells, Senator Malone and Senator Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) introduced legislation to protect private well users by establishing a statewide licensing framework for water well drillers. Senator Malone also convened a roundtable with local first responders to discuss challenges around recruitment and retention and supports new investments in Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget to increase competitive grant funding for volunteer and professional fire companies.
Video from today’s livestream of the event is available here.
Still photographs of today’s event are available here, creditable to Jimmie Brown.
Learn more about Senator James Malone’s commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
Names/titles of today’s roundtable participants:
- Chief Christopher McKim, Ephrata Police Department
- Kelly Tice, Trauma Injury Prevention, Education, Outreach Coordinator, Penn Medicine LGH
- Laura Pauls-Thomas, Founder/Director, Ride, Roll & Stroll Lancaster
- Karen Schloer, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster
- PA State Trooper Kaytlynn Greenert
- Joy Ashley, Executive Director, Mainspring of Ephrata
- Linford Good, Pedestrian Safety Advocate
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