Columbia Police to Enforce E-Bike and Scooter Regulations Amid Safety Concerns

Columbia Borough police will soon begin stricter enforcement of regulations governing electric bikes and scooters, Mayor Leo Lutz announced at the April 22 borough council meeting.

The crackdown comes in response to the growing popularity of electric vehicles throughout Columbia and elsewhere, which has raised safety concerns among local officials.

"We're starting to see popular not only in Columbia but all around, e-bikes and e-scooters," Mayor Lutz stated during the April 22 meeting. "There are regulations for those electric bikes and electric scooters."

According to Lutz, Police Chief Jack Brommer and his officers have been studying applicable rules and regulations and are preparing to take action against non-compliant riders.

"They are going to start taking action on those who are violators of those electric bikes and electric scooters for non-compliance," Lutz warned.

Lutz expressed particular concern about safety risks as warmer weather approaches. "We can't risk people flying around on electric bikes, electric scooters here in the summer and wind up getting seriously injured or, my God, possibly killed," he emphasized.

The mayor also directed his message to parents, urging them to research regulations before purchasing these vehicles for their children. He cautioned against relying solely on information from retailers, suggesting that sales staff might not fully disclose usage restrictions in their eagerness to complete a sale.

"I just want to advise all parents and the kids to find out what you can do, what you can't do, and what you should buy and what you shouldn't buy when you're getting into that," Lutz concluded.

The police department has not yet announced when the increased enforcement will begin or what specific violations they will be targeting.

Last year, at the August 27, 2024 Columbia Borough Council meeting, Lutz said that police stepped up enforcement of ordinances governing e-bikes and e-scooters. Riders have been cited for various traffic infractions.

“The guys are stepping it up, and there have been citations,” Lutz said.

Currently, bicycles aren't permitted on sidewalks, according to borough ordinance. Councilman Peter Stahl noted Police Chief Jack Brommer's recent reminder that e-scooters are prohibited on borough streets and sidewalks. Stahl said scooters are permitted only in designated areas such as [certain] parks.

The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code "prohibits the use of electric scooters, electric skateboards, and electric unicycles on public roadways."

Man charged with raping 14-year-old girl after picking her up at playground in Columbia

A Lancaster city man raped a 14-year-old girl in his home after picking her up from a playground in Columbia in 2021, according to police. 

Lancaster city police have charged, Nicklos McRae, 25, with seven felony counts including rape by forcible compulsion and aggravated indecent assault of a person less than 16. 

According to a criminal complaint filed last week, McRae picked up the girl from a playground at Columbia Middle School on the evening of Aug. 30, 2021. Police say he drove the girl to his home in Lancaster city, made unwanted sexual advances and proceeded to assault her. 

The girl told police she demanded McRae stop multiple times during the assault, but he ignored her. After the assault, police say, McRae called the girl an Uber to send her home. 

A day later, the girl had a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination completed at Lancaster General Hospital. As part of the examination, medical personnel collected DNA, which would be identified as McRae's in 2023 using the FBI's Combined DNA Index System.

Lancaster police interviewed McRae on April 22, 2025. Police say he initially denied knowing the girl but later admitted he had picked her up in Columbia and brought her to his Lancaster city home. 

McRae is currently free on $250,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 9. 

YWCA Lancaster runs a 24-hour sexual assault hotline, 717-392-7273, that connects callers to free, confidential counseling and therapy services for community members impacted by sexual abuse, harassment or assault. Report suspected child abuse to ChildLine at 800-932-0313. 

https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-man-rapes-14-year-old-girl-then-calls-her-an-uber-police/article_503ad001-19bc-4c1e-841d-347d287d35f3.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share 

Deeds Recorded - Columbia Borough - April 28, 2025

Snyder Mary E, Good Jodi Ann, Good Jodi A. conveyed 1100 Grinnell Ave. to Snyder Mary E, Good Jodi A. for $1.

Carol L. Marusak conveyed 365 S. Third St. to Red Canna LLC for $60,000.

Moore Ashley R, Moore Travis J. conveyed 34 N. Sixth St. to Hylton Abigail, Hylton David for $160,000.

Sheriff of Lancaster County Pa, Brown Robert G. conveyed 532 N. Third St. to New American Funding LLC for $190,400.

About Town - April 27, 2025

This week's photos of Columbia
Click on photos to see larger, sharper images.

York County sheriffs were at Plane & Manor Thursday morning. 

SEVEN sheriffs 

(At least one is on the K9 team, judging from his vest) . . .

and a Columbia Borough police officer (not shown).

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Painters were at the historic Wright's Ferry Mansion on Tuesday. 

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Firetrucks on Locust Street 

Police cars at 700 Franklin Street

Are we still doing this?

Sometimes it's better if you cook things, though.

Police activity on Locust 

Free loaner tools at Advance Auto Parts

Photo shoot on Front Street 

Fish's new sign at short 6th & Lancaster Avenue 

Police cars at the District Administration Center Saturday morning 

Yes, there really is a Wellsville.

It's in York County.

Here are several photos of the Columbia Animal Shelter...

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The banners are gone at Plane & Manor.

Dispose of your old flags at the Elks on the 400 block of Chestnut, or at the VFW at 4th & Manor.

Seen at the American Legion on Chestnut Street 

Some vivid evening clouds

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Ants are digging out the sand between bricks at the bridge plaza.

There are still many spaces available for commemorative bricks.

Coming soon

Oriental rugs are for sale on the first block of South 2nd.

The bug man was at Columbia Crossing this week.

Lit up bus shelter on South 4th

Quotations 

Help build a playlot at Janson Park. 

The hedgehogs are still there. 

Seen on the steps at United Methodist Church 

Doug's Tree Service squeezing out onto 4th Street 

Enjoyment at Columbia River Park 

Occasionally seen in Columbia 

Fire police and borough workers responded to the scene of a large limb on the roadway on South 9th Street Sunday morning. 

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Columbia Borough introduces free parking program for senior citizens

Columbia Borough Council has approved a new ordinance allowing limited free downtown parking for senior residents.

Council voted unanimously at Tuesday's council meeting to advertise the ordinance,  which establishes a Senior Citizen Parking Permit program that allows residents aged 65 and older to park for free for up to one hour during regular business hours within the Downtown Commercial Zoning District where parking meter zones have been established.

Eligible seniors must apply in person at the municipal building at 308 Locust Street and provide a valid driver's license and vehicle registration showing Columbia Borough residency. Only one permit will be issued per residential address.

The permits must be displayed on the passenger side lower corner of the windshield and are non-transferable between vehicles or individuals. Each permit will be valid for one year from issuance and must be renewed before expiration.

Key details of the program include:

- Free parking limited to one hour, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Vehicles exceeding the one-hour limit must pay standard parking rates

- Permits not valid during scheduled street sweeping operations

- Violations subject to fines as established in the borough fee schedule

The ordinance will take effect in accordance with Pennsylvania law. Columbia residents interested in obtaining a permit can visit the municipal building during regular business hours once the program is implemented.

For more information about the Senior Citizen Parking Permit program, residents are encouraged to contact the Columbia Borough office.