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SB 1009

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in special vehicles and pedestrians, providing for shared low-speed electric scooters; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cris Dush and 5 co-sponsors

The bill standardizes safety, operation, and penalties for shared low-speed electric scooters in Pennsylvania, clarifying rules for operators, riders, and local authorities.

Referred to Transportation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1009

Overview

SB 1009 is a Pennsylvania bill proposed for the 2025-2026 legislative session that amends Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill focuses on special vehicles and pedestrians and introduces provisions related to shared low-speed electric scooters. It also specifies penalties for compliance failures or violations.

Purpose and Intent

  • To regulate the use of shared low-speed electric scooters (LSVs) within the Commonwealth.
  • To establish safety and operational standards for LSV sharing programs to better protect users, pedestrians, and other road users.
  • To delineate responsibilities for operators, riders, and local authorities, and to set penalties for violations.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definition and Scope: Establishes or clarifies the classification of low-speed electric scooters as a form of special vehicle within Title 75, and applies specific rules to shared scooter programs.
  • Operator Requirements: Likely includes registration or authorization requirements for scooter-sharing companies, safety program standards, and potential rider education or information dissemination obligations.
  • Rider Rules: May specify age restrictions, helmet requirements, and operational rules (e.g., where scooters can be ridden, speed limits, and parking expectations).
  • Public Right-of-Way and Infrastructure: Potential guidance on where LSVs can operate (bike lanes, streets, sidewalks) and how they must interact with other users and traffic.
  • Pedestrian Safety: Provisions aimed at minimizing conflicts between scooters and pedestrians, including sidewalk usage restrictions or design standards.
  • Penalties: Introduces penalties for noncompliance by operators or riders, and possibly for violations of operational rules, safety standards, or improper parking.
  • Local Authority Coordination: May require coordination with local municipalities or transportation authorities for permit processes, enforcement, and program oversight.
  • Enforcement and Penalties: Specifies penalties (fines, civil penalties, or other sanctions) for violations; could include enforcement mechanisms and administrative remedies.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Shared Scooter Operators: Companies that rent out low-speed electric scooters would face registration/authorization requirements, safety and operational standards, and potential penalties for noncompliance.
  • Riders: Individuals using shared LSVs would be subject to age, safety, and operational rules.
  • Local Governments/Municipalities: Cities and counties may have new or clarified responsibilities for permitting, local enforcement, and infrastructure integration.
  • General Public/Pedestrians: Safety measures aim to reduce conflicts with pedestrians and improve overall traffic flow and sidewalk safety where LSVs operate.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: As of the provided action history, the bill was referred to the Transportation Committee on 2026-05-20.
  • Next Steps: The committee will review, possibly amend, and vote on the bill before it proceeds to the full chamber for consideration.
  • Effective Date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date or phase-in period for operators and localities to comply with new requirements.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Could standardize safety requirements across Pennsylvania for shared LSV programs.
  • May balance mobility benefits with pedestrian and traffic safety through clear usage rules.
  • The extent of penalties will influence compliance costs for operators and adherence by riders.
  • Implementation may necessitate coordination between state agencies, local governments, and private scooter providers.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title and action history. For precise language, definitions, thresholds (e.g., specific speed limits, helmet standards), and exact penalties, the full bill text and fiscal notes should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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