A Pennsylvania Micromobility Fact Sheet explains the various modes of e-transportation as well as the rules and regulations that go along with each.

Warren’s Police Department is starting to take action regarding the e-transportation issue that was first brought up at the July meeting.

During this week’s City Council meeting, Warren Police Chief Joseph Sproveri was pleased to announce progress. “New signage has been developed for posting at approximately 45 locations throughout the downtown area,” he said. “In addition, officers trained in bike enforcement have been patrolling on the department’s e-bikes. Numerous individuals have been stopped, with the emphasis being placed on providing education. And some warnings have been issued. The Department will continue bike patrols, and the city will work toward increasing public education.”

Stating during the July meeting there had been no reportable incidents with e-transportation to date, Sproveri said this week that city officers had made 12 stops involving 15 people between the council’s July 21 meeting and its meeting Aug. 18.

Audience member Will Champlin asked the Council whether there was a speed limit for micromobility use as he has, on occasion, had people speed past him on walkways.

“Yes,” responded Sproveri as he offered Champlin a copy of the Pennsylvania Micromobility Fact Sheet which allows for speeds of up to 25 mph for motorized pedacycles and 20 mph for e-bikes.

City Mayor David Wortman asked if this was still the correct approach to “take care of this emerging issue?”

Sproveri responded by saying he believed it was and that the department is on course with enforcing the current rules and regulations set forth by the state adding that the City of Warren, like other communities in Pennsylvania, are waiting for the state to “catch up” with micromobility legislation.

“I appreciate the continued work on this,” Wortman said. “I know it’s certainly got the attention of the public, and we want to make sure that we continue to address it.”

Nearby, the Youngsville Borough Police Department is managing one component of the micromobility issue by recently adding the following notice as well as the Pennsylvania Micromobility Fact Sheet to their Facebook page:

“ELECTRIC SCOOTERS PROHIBITED !

“The Youngsville Borough Police Department wants to advise and remind everyone that the use of electric scooters on Pennsylvania roadways are illegal and also prohibited on sidewalks. The primary place you can legally ride electric scooters in Pennsylvania is on private property.”

During a brief follow up on Wednesday Chief Sproveri reiterated that updated signage would be installed around the city soon.

Warren City Council meets the third Monday each month at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Municipal Building. Meetings are open to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.