PA House passes first-ever e-scooter regulations
Bipartisan legislation for safe and responsible use of e-scooters advances to Senate
Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara, Rep. Emily Kinkead October 20, 2026 | 4:40 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – Legislation that would establish the state’s first legal framework for electric scooters passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today by a vote of 176-27, announced the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Emily Kinkead.
House Bill 1633 would create statewide safety standards for the operation, purchase and individual ownership of e-scooters, while allowing most cities the option to implement shared e-scooter programs. Although e-scooters are already widely used in Pennsylvania, state law does not provide a framework for their legal operation.
“Despite the fact that e-scooters are currently illegal to ride on public streets, they are becoming increasingly popular across our state’s transportation landscape,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “While Pennsylvanians deserve to have access to every kind of mobility option, riders, pedestrians, law enforcement and local governments need legal standards that prioritize public safety for these devices. This bill is a practical and balanced solution, addressing serious safety concerns without shutting the door on this emerging micro-mobility option.”
Kinkead said her legislation was originally inspired by Pittsburgh’s two-year shared e-scooter pilot program, which saw more than 212,000 people sign up for the service and more than 1 million trips taken across the city. She credited state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara and state Sen. Tim Kearney, both D-Delaware, for helping broaden the bill to include more robust provisions related to private e-scooters, in addition to shared programs.
“This bill is a critical public safety measure,” O’Mara said. “Last year our Delaware County community endured an awful tragedy when a 12-year-old girl died after an e-scooter accident, and we want to prevent tragedies like this in every Pennsylvania community. I greatly appreciate partnering with Representative Kinkead to advance this much-needed public safety bill.”
The legislation passed following months of discussion, including a public hearing and a voting meeting with the House Transportation Committee featuring testimony from transportation experts, municipal leaders, industry representatives and safety advocates.
House Bill 1633 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
