Warren city police officers are doing their best to educate the public on the use of micromobility devices like electric bikes and scooters.

The technology has moved faster than the speed of government, which really is too bad given the devices’ ability to help those who either can’t afford a car or don’t want a car to get from place to place. The problem is most roads – including many in Warren – don’t always lend themselves to such devices, while sidewalks are reserved for pedestrians. The result is the city’s ongoing education campaign to make sure cars, electric devices and pedestrians can share the streets and sidewalks safely. For example, the Pennsylvania Micromobility Fact Sheet states motorized bikes have a speed limit of 25 miles an hour while e-bikes are limited to 20 miles an hour. We have a feeling not many users know that because speed limit signs don’t include information on devices like pedalcycles, e-bikes and electric scooters. Police Chief Joe Sproveri told City Council members recently that officers had made 12 stops involving 15 people between the council’s July 21 meeting and its meeting Aug. 18. That shows that the devices are being used but in a fairly limited fashion in places like Warren.

With that said, it is incumbent on state lawmakers to adjust state law for the electric devices and ramp up public education efforts on the use of electric mobility devices. As politicians dig in their heels on the state budget, other issues that need legislative attention – like micromobility device regulations – sit on the sidelines even though local governments are really waiting for direction from the state.

Warren is being as proactive as it can right now by installing signs around the city and educating riders when issues arise rather than writing tickets. But local government would have an easier time doing its job if the state Legislature would do its job.