Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

October 2, 2025

A Balanced Approach to Regulating Electric Bicycles

Electric bicycles (eBikes) have surged in popularity, offering an eco-friendly, efficient and accessible mode of transportation. However, their growing presence on our roads and sidewalks has sparked a heated debate.

Some constituents demand stricter oversight, drawing similarities between eBikes and motorcycles, calling for licensing, registration and insurance requirements. Others argue that eBikes should be treated like traditional bicycles, free from burdensome regulations. 

As a legislator, I believe the solution lies in a balanced, flexible approach that empowers local communities while also addressing safety concerns. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to provide municipalities with greater authority over eBikes and promote responsible operation.

Under current law, eBikes are permitted on roads and sidewalks, provided they meet specific limitations on size, speed, weight and motor power. However, residents have shared with me concerns about excessive speeding or overall reckless operation. Obviously, concerns with pedestrian safety need to be addressed. 

At the same time, blanket mandates like motorcycle-style licensing would unfairly penalize responsible eBike users and stifle the adoption of a sustainable transport option. My proposed legislation strikes a middle ground, giving municipalities the tools to tailor regulations to their unique needs while the General Assembly in Harrisburg seeks statewide measures to enhance safety.

The cornerstone of this legislation is local empowerment. Municipalities will gain clear authority to establish eBike-specific ordinances, allowing them to address local challenges without a one-size-fits-all approach. These ordinances could include reasonable registration fees, restrictions or bans on eBike-use on certain roads or sidewalks, as well as fines for violations. Local governments could also impose penalties for operating eBikes that exceed existing legal limits on size, speed or power. This framework respects the diversity of our communities—urban areas with heavy pedestrian traffic may need stricter rules, while rural towns might prioritize access and affordability.

To tackle widespread concerns about safety, the legislation also includes two statewide provisions. First, it increases fines for bicycle law violations committed on eBikes from $10 to $50, reflecting the greater potential for harm due to their speed and weight. Second, it introduces a new $100 fine for careless eBike operation that causes bodily injury, emphasizing accountability for reckless behavior. These measures would apply across the state, ensuring a baseline of responsibility without requiring the standards to be adopted by municipalities.

I took this topic on to find a commonsense solution, one that responds to constituents’ valid concerns about safety and accountability while also preserving the benefits of eBikes as an affordable, environmentally friendly transport option. By empowering local leaders to draft regulations that work for their residents, we avoid heavy-handed statewide mandates that could unfairly burden responsible riders.

I have recently shared my proposal with House colleagues on both sides of the aisle, inviting them to co-sponsor my legislation.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Hey Veterans, Let Us Honor You! - Veterans are invited to join me in celebration of their service at my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 – 11 a.m. at VFW Post 92, 1601 Wildlife Lodge Road, Lower Burrell. The doors open at 8:30 a.m. This free event is open to all veterans who reside in the 55th Legislative District. Guest speakers will include Sen. Devlin Robinson, a United States Marine Corps veteran. To register, call the New Kensington office at 724-472-4102 or the Washington Township/Export office at 724-387-9113.

Get Your Free Student Aid Guide - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding high school students and their families that its 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide is now available to help them navigate the college planning process. 

The PA Student Aid Guide is Pennsylvania’s most comprehensive financial aid publication, offering in-depth information on the federal student aid process and details on Pennsylvania’s aid programs, including the need-based PA State Grant Program. It is available to all students and families at no cost.

The online version of the PA Student Aid Guide is interactive and provides links to information on grants, scholarships, loans, work study programs and more. For more information, visit pheaa.org. 

Fall, Winter Trout Stocking Underway - Now through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be conducting its fall and winter trout stocking at dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth. 

PFBC will stock approximately 116,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 118 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the Commonwealth and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout stocked during fall and winter can be fished immediately.

Visit fishandboat.com to learn more and access stocking schedules. 


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper