Committee Approves Laughlin Scooter Legislation

HARRISBURG – Legislation seeking to ensure low-speed scooters are properly regulated within Pennsylvania’s vehicle code was reported to the full Senate out of the Senate Transportation Committee, according to the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 892, Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-49.

“Low-speed scooters are part of the next generation of transportation. Senate Bill 892 would create a pilot program to take the next step toward expanding their use in Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Laughlin.

Low-speed scooters are small electric- or human-powered vehicles with two or three wheels, handlebars and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding. They weigh less than 100 pounds and go no more than 15 miles per hour on level ground.

“The scooters provide innovative, flexible, and low-cost transportation to tens of millions of riders across the country,” Sen. Laughlin said. “They help relieve traffic congestion, pollution and stress by reducing car trips and increasing access to public transit.”

Other states have incorporated low-speed scooters into their motor vehicle code by regulating them like pedalcycles or bicycles. SB 892 would, generally, allow certain municipalities to designate where low-speed scooters could be used, though they would be prohibited on any roadways with a posted speed limit of at least 35 miles per hour. The scooters would be limited to operating on specified roadways, pedalcycle lanes or pedalcycle paths at a speed no greater than 15 miles per hour. 

“This legislation would amend state law to define ‘electric low-speed scooters’ and apply to the scooters our existing state law governing pedalcycles,” said Sen. Laughlin. “SB 892 will prevent Pennsylvania from falling further behind other places that have already embraced low-speed scooters, and I urge my Senate colleagues to consider this measure.”###

Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov

 

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