HARRISBURG, PA – September 30, 2025 – Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware), has officially introduced Abby’s Law in the Pennsylvania Senate as Senate Bill 1008. The legislation is named in memory of 12-year-old Abigail Gillon, who tragically passed after an e-scooter crash in June 2025 in Aston, PA.
Since announcing his intention in July to introduce the legislation, several serious e-scooter crashes have occurred in the region, underscoring the urgent need for safeguards. Municipalities have also taken action to underscore Pennsylvania’s current laws: Marple Township voted to ban e-scooters outright, while Haverford Township recently passed an ordinance requiring children under 16 to wear helmets when riding e-bikes.
Senator Kearney’s proposal has drawn national attention, with safety groups and media outlets across the country highlighting the legislation and its intention.
Senator Kearney’s office has been working closely with Abby’s family and a wide range of stakeholders to shape the bill so it can move quickly through the legislative process.
“Abby’s loved ones have experienced an unimaginable loss,” said Senator Kearney. “This is not just about policy. It is about protecting our children and creating commonsense measures that keep pace with changing technology.”
“This devastating loss of Abby is one that our family, her friends and our community will continue grieve for the remainder of our lives,” said Ron Kralle, Abby’s maternal uncle. “Children, especially under the age of 16, are at risk for injuries or a fatality operating these electric vehicles every minute of every day on our streets because they are exactly that, children. Decisions determine fate. We respectfully ask our elected officials to support Abby’s Law and help us save another family’s worst nightmare from coming true.”
While most other states have legalized e-scooters and set rules for their operations, e-scooters are not recognized under Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code, leaving riders without any clear rules or standards.
To address this gap in regulation and prevent further tragedies, Sen. Kearney introduced Abby’s Law as a step forward to improve safety on public streets.
This legislation would:
- Set an age minimum of 16 for e-scooter riders, and require helmets for 16- and 17-year-old riders
- Set a statewide speed limit of 20mph for e-scooters
- Prohibit more than one rider on an e-scooter
- Require e-scooters to follow bicycle traffic rules
- Provide for rider and driver education and awareness
“As a father, I believe keeping children safe should never be a partisan issue,” said Senator Kearney. “Abby’s Law creates commonsense protections that I am confident will earn broad support on both sides of the aisle.”
Abby’s Law has officially been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. With the Senate set to resume on October 6, Senator Kearney is hopeful that the legislation will receive the bipartisan support needed to move forward and become law by the end of 2025.
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