This chapter shall be known as the "Bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters Ordinance."
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Doylestown 3-17-2026 by Ord. No. 432. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the use of motorized bicycles, and scooters on the Township's trail system and parks. This chapter does not address or otherwise regulate the use of motorized bicycles and other vehicles on roads and streets. This chapter does not eliminate any regulations set forth in Chapter 119, Parks and Recreation, all such regulations remain in full force and effect and are incorporated hereto.
A. ABANDONMENT BICYCLE BIKE LANE BIKE PATH (TRAILS) BIKE PATH APPROACH BIKE ROUTE BIKE-PEDESTRIAN CURB RAMP ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED BICYCLE (E-BIKE) ELECTRIC POWER-ASSISTED SCOOTER (E-SCOOTER) OBSTRUCTIVE BICYCLE, E-BIKE, OR E-SCOOTER PUBLIC PLACE
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
A bicycle, E-Bike, E-Scooter, or any part thereof, that is left or remains unattended or unused in a public place for 72 consecutive hours or longer after it was tagged with a notice of intention to abate.
Every vehicle having tandem wheels, or two parallel wheels and one forward wheel, any two of which are not less than 12 inches in diameter, propelled exclusively by human power upon which any person may ride, except scooter and similar devices.
A portion of a roadway designated for preferential or exclusive use by bicycles, E-Bikes, or E-Scooters that is distinguished from that portion of the roadway to be used by motor vehicles by a painted strip and other pavement markings.
A separate right-of-way designated for use by bicycles, E-Bikes, E-Scooters, or pedestrians, including but not limited to trails shown on the Bike and Hike Map as adopted by the Board of Supervisors that may be changed from time to time. The term bike path is used interchangeably with "bikes trails" and includes both the paved surface and minimum of two feet on either side. Notwithstanding anything in this definition, it is the intention of the Board of Supervisors for pedestrians to retain the right-of-way on all the Bike path trails in the Township.
That area where a transition is made between a roadway, parking lot, sidewalk or other facility and a bike path. This area is generally identified by wooden bollards, pavement markings and a parking prohibition.
Any roadway specifically signed for shared use by bicycles, E-Bikes, or E-Scooters, and motor vehicles.
A break in a curb designated to facilitate movement by the operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter, pedestrian, or person with a disability from a street parking lot to a sidewalk or bicycle facility.
A vehicle having two tandem wheels or two parallel wheels and one forward wheel. Two of said wheels must not be less than 12 inches in diameter, and designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts that:
A two wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor that has a power output for not more than 300 watts that: a) is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 15 miles per hours; and b) disengages or ceases to function when the device's brake are applied. An E-Scooter is not a motor vehicle for purposes of this chapter.
Any bicycle, E-Bike, E-Scooter, or any part thereof, left in a public place that obstructs or impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
Any publicly owned property, including but not limited to, sidewalks, streets, alleys, parks, and plazas located within the Township jurisdictional limits.
No person shall operate a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter without the following equipment:
A.
Brakes capable of causing the bicycle, E-Bike, E-Scooter, or other wheeled device to stop within 25 feet at 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
B.
A bell, the human voice or other audible warning device capable of being heard at a distance of at least 100 feet away, except that no bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter shall be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter any siren or whistle.
C.
When in use at nighttime, a red light or red reflector on the rear visible from 300 feet, and a forward-facing white light attached either to the bicycle, E-Bike, E-Scooter, or the operator that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle.
D.
All bicycles and E-Bikes shall have a permanent seat designed for the bicycle or the E-Bike being operational. E-Scooters shall not have any attached seats.
A.
No person riding or operating a bicycle or E-Bike shall ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
B.
No bicycle and/or E-Bike shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
C.
No E-Scooter shall be used to carry more than one person at one time.
D.
No person shall operate a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter that is either too large or too small for such person to operate safely.
E.
Every person operating a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter shall always keep at least one hand on the handlebar, and shall carry nothing that prevents full control of the bicycle, E-bike, or E-Scooter or obstructs the operator's vision.
F.
No person shall operate a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter while interacting with a mobile device.
Any person operating a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter on a roadway is subject to regulation under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code as may be amended from time to time, 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 101.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters are prohibited from trails less than eight feet in width and where specifically prohibited by signs posted by Doylestown Township.
A.
A bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter shall not be operated upon a sidewalk and upon and within a crosswalk.
B.
Notwithstanding the above, those who are under the age of 16 and accompanied by an adult are permitted to operate upon a sidewalk or within a crosswalk subject to the following:
(1)
Any operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter riding upon a sidewalk as allowed for in Subsection B above, or across a roadway upon and within a crosswalk, shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
(2)
Any operators of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter riding on the sidewalk shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and move into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
The operators of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter may pass another trail user upon the left after giving sufficient warning and provided there is sufficient distance to safely pass other bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters.
Whenever a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter operator is required to bring the bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter to a stop in conformance with the official traffic control devices, the operator shall halt forward motion but shall not be required to dismount or remove their feet from the pedals or the floorboard except as may be required to secure the bicycle, E-Bike or E-Scooter.
The operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-scooter intending to turn shall signal his intent to turn with the appropriate hand and arm signal at least 100 feet prior to turning. The hand signal need not be continuous.
Persons riding bicycles, E-Bikes, or E-Scooters shall not ride more than two abreast except upon bike paths. The operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter operating two abreast upon a bike path, shall return to a single file configuration when approaching pedestrians or other bicycles, E-Bikes, or E-Scooters.
Bicycles, E-Bikes, or E-Scooters shall not be parked in such a manner as to obstruct or impede the movement of pedestrians, motor vehicles, or other bicycles, E-Bikes, or E-Scooters, or to cause damage to trees, shrubs, or other living plants designated as such wherever possible.
A.
No person shall drive, lead, or ride a horse or other animal upon a bike lane or bike path except household pets.
B.
No Person shall roller skate, ride or operate a skateboard or gravity operated or human powered vehicle not classified as a bicycle, E-Bike or E-Scooter upon a bike lane except where specifically designated by appropriate signage.
C.
Pedestrians shall not travel upon a bike path where a separate foot path has been provided or upon a bike lane where a sidewalk is provided.
D.
When a pedestrian is traveling upon a bike path or bike lane:
(1)
The operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-scooter approaching the pedestrian from the rear shall be required to give audible warning when overtaking and passing such pedestrian; and
(2)
The operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter and a pedestrian approaching each other shall each be required to move to and remain upon their right-hand side of the surface.
E.
The operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter shall always yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian.
It shall be unlawful for any person without authorization from Doylestown Township to cut, alter, break, injure, damage, block, impede or perform work upon any bike path or bike lane in the Township.
A person who uses or rides a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter on any public or private property open to public use inattentively or carelessly and heedlessly, in light of the circumstances then existing, or without due caution and circumspection, or at such speed or in any manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any persons or property shall be guilty of reckless or inattentive operation, a misdemeanor and, upon conviction subject to the penalty as provided in this chapter.
A person who uses, operates, or rides a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter on any public property or property open to public use shall obey all posted maximum speed limits. Maximum speed limits may vary depending on location and pedestrian traffic levels. It is the responsibility of the operator of a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter to know and obey all applicable maximum speed limits in the area of operation and to operate in a safe manner. Notwithstanding any posted maximum speed limit, no person shall use, operate, or ride a bicycle, E-Bike, or E-Scooter at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour, or such less speed as is reasonable and prudent under the conditions or circumstances then existing, having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.
A.
Upon finding a violation, any police officer may proceed under the Second Class Township Code at 53 P.S. §§ 66601(c.1)(2) which grants the Township the right to enforce its ordinances.
B.
Enforcement.
(1)
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the police officers employed by the Township of Doylestown.
(2)
Any violation of the provisions in this chapter may be cause for a citation to be issued to the violator in conformance with law, with a fine in the amount of up to $500; also, enforcement may include, but not be limited to, 53 P.S. §§ 66601(c.1)(2), and no limitation is intended under the Crimes Code or other law having application.
