East Penn Township plans to reduce the speed limit on its portion of the D&L Trail to help curtail speeding e-bikes.

On a 4-0 vote, township supervisors on Monday agreed to advertise an ordinance lowering the speed limit to 20 mph.

Supervisor Bill Schwab was absent.

People who walk the trail are being troubled by e-bike riders going too fast, said Supervisor Dennis Pearson.

Pearson said he understands the issue is that e-bikes that people use sometimes to excessive speed can cause problems on the trails for walkers.

An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists riders when they are pedaling.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources put a 20 mph limit into effect in late 2022.

The township owns a stretch of the D&L Trail, and DCNR’s e-bike policy speed limit applies to state property that includes three stretches of the D&L.

E-bikes are allowed on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage as long as users follow guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code that e-bikes:

• Weigh no more than 100 pounds.

• Do not exceed 20 mph using the motor.

• Have motors that do not exceed 750 watts.

• Have fully functional, operable pedals.