HARRISBURG – The state Senate has approved Sen. Dan Laughlin’s legislation seeking to ensure electric low-speed scooters are properly regulated within Pennsylvania’s vehicle code.
“Low-speed scooters are part of the next generation of transportation,” said Laughlin (R-49). “Senate Bill 892 would create a pilot program to take the next step toward expanding their use in Pennsylvania.”
Electric 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,” Laughlin said. “They help relieve traffic congestion, pollution and stress by reducing car trips and increasing access to public transit.”
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.
Prior to its final passage, the Senate amended the bill to increase the age requirement for scooter operation from 16 to 18 years of age.
SB 892 was also altered to grant the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) the authority to rescind approval of the use of a highway under its jurisdiction if safety issues have been identified that cannot easily be corrected. PennDOT will create a process to evaluate safety issues and communicate issues to the local authority and commercial electric scooter enterprise.
Additionally, the Senate-adopted amendment inserted recommendations for ordinances, policies and regulations regarding deployment locations, parking locations, data sharing and reporting, and education and awareness.
“SB 892 will prevent Pennsylvania from falling further behind other places that have already embraced low-speed scooters, and I thank my Senate colleagues for approving the measure,” said Laughlin. “I urge the House of Representatives to consider this measure.”
Contact: David Kozak 717-787-8927