State Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) is introducing e-scooter safety legislation known as Abby’s Law in response to the death of 12-year-old Abigail Gillon following an e-scooter accident on June 14 in Aston, according to a release from Pennsylvania Senate Democrats.
Gillon and her close friend Isabella Jones, 11, were injured when they were thrown from a single electric scooter into oncoming traffic as they entered the road. Gillon died from her injuries.
The incident has prompted calls from community members and leaders for the regulation of electric scooters.
Electric scooters are actually illegal to use on public streets across Pennsylvania, so there are no safety regulations for riders, unlike those for e-bikes, which have age requirements, maximum speeds, and other regulations.
The proposed co-sponsored legislation would address this regulation gap.
“The devastating crash that took Abby’s life and left her friend critically injured underscores the need for our state laws to adapt to emerging technology like e-scooters that are widely popular but need guardrails to ensure they are safely integrated as a transportation option,” said Sen. Kearney, who is a member of the Senate Transportation Committee.
This legislation would:
- Recognize e-scooters as a regulated micromobility vehicle in the PA Vehicle Code.
- Establish safety requirements for operation and helmets based on age.
- Create a public awareness campaign to educate riders and parents on the safe operation and riding of e-scooters.
Abby’s Law will create parameters to protect youth while incorporating e-scooters into communities in a responsible manner, the release states.
“I am currently working with Abby’s family and other key stakeholders to develop this legislation to help ensure that no other family has to endure this kind of loss,” said Sen. Kearney.
Ridley Township, where the accident took place, has a local ordinance banning electric scooters on all township streets and sidewalks, according to Jesse Bunch with The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“The Ridley Township Police Department will be enforcing this ordinance,” stated Ridley Township Commissioners.. “Violators may be subject to citations and/or confiscation of the scooter.”
Find out more about the e-scooter accident and the Ridley Township response in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
