Posted: | February 16, 2023 09:51 AM |
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From: | Senator Daniel Laughlin |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Electric Low-Speed Scooters |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would amend Title 75 (Vehicles) to define “Electric Low-Speed Scooters” (“Low-Speed Scooters”) and apply our long-standing laws governing pedalcycles (bicycles) to Low-Speed Scooters. With almost 1 million trips taken since the program was launched in the City of Pittsburgh, Low-Speed Scooters have modernized the mobility options for its residents and tourists. In fact, the pilot program has been viewed as successful based on ridership citywide, including underrepresented communities that are not adequately served by public transportation. Based on the success of the City of Pittsburgh’s pilot program from Act 24 of 2021, this legislation will allow a City of the Second Class, Second Class A or Third Class to authorize a Low-Speed Scooter program. They will also be required to approve the program locally, including ordinances, policies and regulations for the safety, operation and management of Low-Speed Scooters. 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 manufactured to go no more than 20 miles per hour on level ground. The Low-Speed Scooters provide innovative, flexible and low-cost transportation to tens of millions of riders across the country. They help relieve traffic congestion, pollution and stress by reducing car trips and increasing access to public transit. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania remains one of the LAST states in the contiguous 48 to officially regulate a Low-Speed Scooter as a street-legal vehicle. Please join me in supporting this important piece of legislation to embrace this next generation of transportation. |
Introduced as SB692