The Wyomissing Police Department announced it will conduct targeted educational enforcement details throughout May focused on the operation of electric scooters, motor scooters, and motor-driven cycles on roadways and sidewalks within the borough.
According to the department, the initiative is intended to educate operators about Pennsylvania laws governing the vehicles and to promote safety for both roadway and sidewalk users.
Police said that under Pennsylvania law, electric scooters and similar vehicles are classified as motor vehicles. As a result, they must be properly registered, inspected, and insured, and operators are required to possess a valid driver’s license.
The department noted that many of the vehicles commonly seen in use are not equipped with safety features required for inspection and registration, including turn signals and mirrors. Officials also emphasized that being powered by an electric motor does not exempt a vehicle from state motor vehicle requirements.
Police addressed what they described as a common misconception regarding sidewalk use. Under Section 3703 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, electric scooters are prohibited from operating on sidewalks. In most cases, police said, the vehicles may only be legally operated on private property.
The department also reminded residents that motor vehicles are prohibited within borough parklands except on designated roadways under Borough Ordinance 1246, as amended and codified in Chapter 16.
Officials acknowledged that many operators are juveniles and said the department’s primary goal is education rather than issuing citations. Police said warnings are being issued initially to help operators and parents understand the law.
However, the department warned that continued violations after a warning has been issued could result in enforcement action, including fines and the towing and storage of the vehicle.
Additional information regarding the legality of electric scooters and motorized pedalcycles is available through posts on the department’s Crimewatch page titled “Electric Scooters and Pennsylvania Law” and “Motorized Pedalcycles.”
