‘Abby’s Law’ aims to regulate e-scooters in Pennsylvania

(WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania Senator announced plans to introduce legislation that would regulate the operation of e-scooters, aiming to ensure that children are safe on streets and sidewalks.

Sen. Timothy Kearney’s (D-Delaware) newest legislation, also known as “Abby’s Law,” was named after Abigail Gillion, who passed away after being thrown from her e-scooter and into oncoming traffic as she and a friend entered the road. Gillion, noted to be a shining star in her community in Ridley Township, passed away while her friend was in critical condition with a long road to recovery.

“Despite their growing use across Pennsylvania, electric scooters are still undefined in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and are technically not legal to ride on local or state streets and sidewalks,” Kearney wrote. “As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure we are properly adapting our laws to accommodate popular technology safely.”

Kearney argued that now is the time to clear up the “legal gray zone” in which e-scooters currently exist, and to honor the life of Abby Gillon by ensuring proper safeguards for teen use. The bill aims to define electric scooters in the Vehicle Code and require their users to follow the rules of the road just like bicyclists are required to do. The legislation would also mandate helmet use for minors and prohibit children under the age of 16 from operating an electric scooter.

Finally, the bill would authorize municipalities to pass ordinances that include stiffer penalties for underage violations. Kearney added that most parents and law enforcement agree that small fines are not enough to discourage resident families and minors from ignoring the law.

“Through Abby’s Law, we will work to ensure that no more vulnerable adolescents will ever fall victim to an accident like this and make certain that no family will ever have to experience the same preventable hardships that members of Abby’s family did,” The bill reads.

Currently in Pennsylvania, e-scooters must be titled, registered and insured as defined by the Vehicle Code. A scooter must pass inspections and must also be powerful enough to keep up with traffic; otherwise, it might not be considered suitable for all roads.