Charlie Umbenhaur

Charles Umbenhauer

For more than three decades, Charles Umbenhauer has been a tireless advocate for motorcyclists and a familiar, respected presence in the halls of the Pennsylvania Capitol.

A motorcyclist since 1968, Umbenhauer began his legislative career in the 1980s as the state legislative coordinator for the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of Pennsylvania, later serving as the organization’s lobbyist. Through decades of relationship-building, education, and advocacy, he became a trusted voice for Pennsylvania’s motorcycling community.

One of Umbenhauer’s most notable achievements was his persistent advocacy for changes to Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet law. After nearly two decades of legislative efforts, the law was amended in 2003 to allow riders age 21 and older with at least two years of riding experience, or those who completed an approved safety course, to ride without a helmet.

His work went far beyond helmet legislation. Umbenhauer promoted and supported numerous measures affecting motorcyclists, while educating legislators about motorcycle safety, rider awareness, consumer protections, and the unique challenges faced by Pennsylvania’s riding community. He became known for bringing the perspective of motorcyclists directly into the legislative process and for building relationships with lawmakers regardless of whether they rode motorcycles themselves.

Umbenhauer’s impact has been measured not only in legislation, but in the trust he earned over decades of service. Pennsylvania legislators have recognized his extensive knowledge, work ethic, passion, and commitment to motorcyclists. His understanding of both motorcycle issues and the legislative process allowed him to translate the concerns of riders into meaningful conversations at the Capitol.

Even after decades of advocacy, Umbenhauer continued working on issues affecting Pennsylvania motorcyclists, including consumer protections for motorcycle purchasers, motorcycle participation in charitable and honor rides, and roadway safety concerns such as grass clippings on pavement.

Since first entering the Capitol in the 1980s, Charles Umbenhauer has devoted more than 30 years to making sure motorcyclists had a voice in Pennsylvania government. His legacy is one of persistence, relationship-building, legislative advocacy, and unwavering service to the motorcycling community.

For generations of Pennsylvania riders, Charles Umbenhauer was more than a lobbyist, he was their voice at the Capitol.