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A Senate committee hearing this week put a spotlight on a bill to regulate electric scooters.
Senate Bill 1008 sponsored by Tim Kearney, D-Delaware, was a focus of the hearing by the Democratic Policy Committee in Allentown.
SB 1008 would put regulation of electric scooters under the state Vehicle Code, require their users to follow rules of the road, mandate helmet use for minors and prohibit youth under 16 from operating one.
They are also known as micromobility devices.
SB1008 will authorize municipalities to enact ordinances including stiffer penalties for underage violations.
Kearney introduced the bill last year after a tragedy involving two girls thrown from a scooter into oncoming traffic. Abby Gillon, age 12, died in the accident.
While use of scooters is growing, they are technically illegal, said Kearney.
"As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure we are properly adapting our laws to accommodate popular technology safely," he said.
The state Transportation Department said a regulatory system is needed for electric scooters.
"In general, low-speed e-scooters should be regulated much the same as pedacycles, and core rules and requirements should apply equally to private and commercial use of low-speed e-scooters," said PennDOT official Henry Beaver.
A regional planning official said SB1008 helps with planning for emerging transit technology.
"In clearly defining regulations for vehicle registrations, helmet regulations and community education, Senate Bill 1008 has the potential to integrate this important transportation mode into our evolving system of travel, expanding equitable, affordable and environmentally sound options that will promote safety, improve air quality and reduce congestion in our transportation network," said Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
House lawmakers are looking at the status of electric scooters too.
The House Transportation Committee held a hearing recently on House Bill 1633 sponsored by Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny. Pennsylvania cities could authorize electric scooter shared ride programs under HB1633.
Kinkead said she wants to build on a pilot program operating in Pittsburgh from 2021 to 2023.