York County, PA Mobility & Curb Rules: E-Bike Classes (2026)
Key Facts
- Where e-bikes are allowed
- Heritage Rail Trail County Park only
- Qualifying class
- Class 1 only: pedal-assist, no throttle
- Motor limit
- Under 750 watts (1 horsepower)
- Speed/weight limit
- 20 mph motor-assisted; under 100 pounds
- Minimum age
- 16 years old
- Other parks
- E-bikes banned; ADA riders need a Parks Office permit
Summary
York County limits e-bikes to a single trail: the Heritage Rail Trail County Park. Code § 75-16 allows only Class 1 e-bikes there, pedal-assist with no throttle, under 750 watts, capped at 20 mph and 100 pounds, ridden by someone at least 16; every other county park bans e-bikes outright except for ADA-permitted riders.
B. No person shall operate fuel-powered mobility devices within the park system. C. Specific to the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, any person over the age of 16 may operate a Class 1 e-bike so long as the following applies: (1) The bike's motor is under 750 watts (or 1 horsepower), it has a maximum speed of 20 mph on a level surface when powered by the motor (with pedal assist), it weighs no more than 100 pounds, it is pedal assist only, with no throttle. ... E. The use of e-bikes in all other York County parks is prohibited. Park visitors that fall under the ADA guidelines would be exempt from this rule and be required to obtain a permit from the Parks Office.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 2886585; v8 updated 2021-04-21; through 04-21-2021).
Full Breakdown
York County treats e-bikes as a distinct category from fuel-powered vehicles under § 75-16, and the rule governing which e-bikes may operate where turns entirely on whether you're on the Heritage Rail Trail County Park or anywhere else in the county park system. B bans fuel-powered mobility devices outright, meaning no gas-powered scooters, minibikes or similar devices are allowed anywhere in the park system. C opens the door to Class 1 e-bikes for riders over the age of 16, but only if the bike meets every listed spec: a motor under 750 watts (1 horsepower), a maximum motor-powered speed of 20 mph on a level surface with pedal assist, a weight no greater than 100 pounds, and pedal-assist operation only, with no throttle.
A bike with a throttle, a stronger motor, or a higher top speed doesn't qualify as the Class 1 e-bike the exception describes, even on the Rail Trail. D. E, with one exception: park visitors covered by the ADA are exempt from that ban but must first obtain a permit from the Parks Office before riding.
Violations & Fines
Operating an e-bike that doesn't meet the Class 1 specification on the Heritage Rail Trail, or riding any e-bike in a York County park outside the Rail Trail without an ADA permit, is a summary offense under § 75-39, punishable by a fine of $75 to $800, up to 30 days in jail, or both, plus court costs, enforced by York County Park Rangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride any e-bike on the Heritage Rail Trail in York County?
Can I use an e-bike in other York County parks besides the Rail Trail?
Are throttle e-bikes allowed anywhere in York County parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the Pennsylvania mobility & curb rules overview
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