Things To Do on an eBike in Lawrence County, PA
Lawrence County's rail-trail is the Stavich Bicycle Trail, built in 1983 on the Penn-Ohio interurban trolley line. It runs along the Mahoning River from near New Castle to Struthers, Ohio.
Because trolley lines were built to looser standards than railroads, DCNR warns of more hills than on most rail-trails.
Where to ride in Lawrence County
This guide covers the Stavich Bicycle Trail, the one bike trail in Lawrence County it could verify.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Stavich Bicycle Trail, New Castle to Struthers, Ohio
DCNR lists the trail at 7.02 miles, with Lawrence as its Pennsylvania county. It was built in 1983 with help from the Stavich family on the Penn-Ohio trolley right-of-way, abandoned in 1933, and it is a gently rolling, mostly rural state-to-state connector along the Mahoning River. For part of the route it is a rail-with-trail beside an active CSX line.
Ohio end: Across the state line, Ohio law applies. Class 1 and Class 2 are allowed on shared-use paths there unless the controlling authority prohibits them.
Pennsylvania eBike rules and route permission
On state park and state forest land, DCNR allows eBikes on trails open to regular bikes if they weigh no more than 100 pounds, do not exceed 20 mph on the motor, have a motor of 750 watts or less and have working pedals. On non-motorized trails you must pedal; throttle-only riding is not allowed. eBikes are barred from natural areas, yellow- or orange-blazed hiking trails and trails posted No Biking.
DCNR notes that other public lands, including local parks, state game lands and preserves, may have different rules. Many rail-trails are run by counties, towns or nonprofit trail groups, so check the manager's posted rules before you ride.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Pennsylvania section from the New Castle end toward the state line and back.
Full day: Ride the whole trail to Struthers, Ohio, and back. The hills are gentle but frequent, so leave battery for the return.
What not to ride in Lawrence County
The active CSX tracks. Part of the trail shares the corridor with a working rail line, so stay on the trail.
A Class 3 eBike on the Ohio end without checking. Ohio allows Class 3 on paths only next to a highway or where the manager allows it.
When to ride Lawrence County
Ride from spring through fall, and check the trail manager's posted rules before you go.
eBike shops and repair
The card below is Bicycles and More, a bicycle shop in New Castle. Call ahead about eBike service.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Stavich Bicycle Trail?
DCNR lists it at 7.02 miles. It runs from near New Castle to Struthers, Ohio.
Is the Stavich Trail flat?
Not entirely. DCNR says the old trolley line has more hills than most rail-trails, though it is gently rolling.
What was the Stavich Trail before?
The Penn-Ohio interurban trolley line, abandoned in 1933. The trail opened in 1983.
Does the Stavich Trail run next to a railroad?
Yes. Part of it is a rail-with-trail beside an active CSX line.
Are eBikes allowed on the Stavich Trail?
No eBike rule is posted in the DCNR listing. DCNR's own rules cover state land, so check the trail manager's posted rules.
Can I ride a Class 3 eBike on the Ohio end?
Ohio allows Class 3 on shared-use paths only next to a highway or where the controlling authority allows it.
Where can I get an eBike serviced in Lawrence County?
The card on this page lists Bicycles and More in New Castle. Call ahead about eBike work.
All eBike shops in Lawrence County
See the Lawrence County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Pennsylvania eBike laws guide for state rules.