Committee Approves Laughlin Electric 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 Senate Bill 692's prime sponsor, Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).

"Low-speed scooters are part of the next generation of transportation and SB 692 would create a program to take the next step toward expanding their use in Pennsylvania," said Laughlin. "This is the exact same legislation that won near-unanimous approval from the Senate last session."

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 are manufactured to go no more than 20 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."

Other states have incorporated low-speed scooters into their motor vehicle code by regulating them like pedalcycles or bicycles. SB 692 would, generally, allow certain municipalities the ability to approve the program locally, including ordinances, policies and regulations for the safety, operation and management of low-speed scooters. After an ordinance has been adopted, a copy of the ordinance must be submitted to the Department of Transportation on a form specified by the department for approval.

"This legislation would amend state law to define ‘electric low-speed scooters’ and apply to the scooters our existing state law governing pedalcycles," said Laughlin. "SB 692 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."

For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Laughlin's website at www.senatorlaughlin.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @senatorlaughlin.

Contact: David Kozak 717-787-8927