Things To Do on an eBike in York County, PA
York County's main eBike ride is the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, 27 miles from the Maryland line at New Freedom through Glen Rock, Hanover Junction, Seven Valleys and the Howard Tunnel to York.
It is the only York County park that allows e-bikes, and only Class 1 pedal-assist bikes.
Where to ride in York County
Ride the Heritage Rail Trail for long, gentle miles between New Freedom and York. The Hanover Trolley Trail and the Red Lion section of the Ma & Pa Community Greenway are shorter local paths.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Heritage Rail Trail County Park, New Freedom to York
York County says the park was established in 1992, covers 176 acres and runs 27 miles from the Mason-Dixon line south of New Freedom to the Colonial Courthouse in York, continuing on the Northern Extension to John C. Rudy County Park. It connects to Maryland's 20-mile Torrey C. Brown Trail. TrailLink says most of the trail is crushed stone, with most of the section north of York paved, and that the 370-foot Howard Tunnel near Seven Valleys was built in 1838.
Active railroad: the county says the Northern Central Railway excursion train uses the adjoining tracks from New Freedom to the Seven Valleys parking lot. Expect a train at any time and look both ways at crossings.
eBike rule: the county allows Class 1 e-bikes only, pedal assist with no throttle. Under county code riders must be over 16, the motor must be under 750 watts, motor-assisted speed must top out at 20 mph and the bike may weigh no more than 100 pounds.
2. Hanover Trolley Trail, Hanover and Spring Grove
TrailLink lists 7.5 miles in two disconnected sections. In Hanover, 3.3 miles of hard-packed gravel run from Moul Field to Jacobs Mill Road. Near Spring Grove, a 1.4-mile crushed limestone branch and a 2.5-mile paved section meet near the East Constitution Avenue trailhead. We found no published eBike rule for this trail, so check posted signs.
3. Ma & Pa Community Greenway, Red Lion
TrailLink lists a 1.4-mile section through Red Lion, starting by the restored Ma & Pa train station on Main Street, home of the Red Lion Historical Society, and ending at Shetland Drive. We found no published eBike rule for this borough trail.
Pennsylvania eBike laws and route permission
York County code bans e-bikes in all county parks except the Heritage Rail Trail. Riders covered by ADA guidelines can ask the Parks Office for a permit. Borough and township trails set their own rules.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Start at New Freedom on a Class 1 eBike and ride the Heritage Rail Trail north toward Glen Rock, then return.
Full day: Ride the Heritage Rail Trail from New Freedom through the Howard Tunnel to downtown York, checking your battery range for the return.
What not to ride in York County
Class 2 or Class 3 eBikes on the Heritage Rail Trail. The county prohibits both.
Any eBike in other York County parks. County code bans them outside the Heritage Rail Trail.
When to ride York County
TrailLink says the Heritage Rail Trail is popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers in winter, so plan e-bike rides for spring through fall. Watch for excursion trains on the southern section.
eBike shop hubs
Whistle Stop Bike Shop at 2 E Franklin St in New Freedom, Kessler's Bicycle Center at 129 Baltimore St in Hanover and The Cycle Works at 207 Hellam St in Wrightsville are listed bike shops. Call to confirm eBike service.
Frequently asked questions
Are e-bikes allowed on the Heritage Rail Trail?
Only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes with no throttle. County code also requires riders over 16, a motor under 750 watts, a 20 mph assisted top speed and a weight of no more than 100 pounds.
Are e-bikes allowed in other York County parks?
No. County code bans e-bikes in all county parks except the Heritage Rail Trail, with ADA permits available from the Parks Office.
How long is the Heritage Rail Trail?
York County says 27 miles from the Mason-Dixon line near New Freedom to York, plus the Northern Extension to John C. Rudy County Park.
Does the Heritage Rail Trail connect to Maryland?
Yes. The county says it connects to Maryland's 20-mile Torrey C. Brown Trail.
Are there trains on the Heritage Rail Trail?
Yes. The Northern Central Railway excursion train uses the adjoining tracks from New Freedom to the Seven Valleys parking lot.
How long is the Hanover Trolley Trail?
TrailLink lists 7.5 miles in two disconnected sections in Hanover and near Spring Grove.
All eBike shops in York County
See the York County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Pennsylvania eBike laws guide for state rules.