SCRANTON, Pa. — Scranton City Council is considering new legislation that would ban electric bicycles and other motorized personal vehicles from city parks and commercial sidewalks in an effort to enhance pedestrian safety. The proposal follows a measure enacted in September at Nay Aug Park, where e-vehicles were banned over safety concerns on crowded walking paths. If approved, the citywide restrictions would cover electric bicycles, motor-propelled scooters, motorized skateboards, and hoverboards.
Under the draft ordinance, riders would be prohibited from operating these devices on sidewalks throughout commercial corridors like downtown Scranton, as well as on all pathways in municipal parks, requiring operators to use the street alongside vehicular traffic instead. However, e-bikes would still be allowed on residential sidewalks outside of designated business districts.
Because the Scranton Police Department operates under a no-chase policy, the measure would rely primarily on monetary penalties rather than vehicular stops to deter violations. Fines are set to range between $50 and $300 for riding on business district sidewalks, with penalties escalating up to $600 for infractions committed inside city parks. The ordinance must receive final approval from the Scranton City Council before taking effect.
