Haverford Advances Helmet Law After Delco Girl's E-Scooter Death

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — In the wake of a young girl's death after she was struck by a vehicle while riding a scooter in Delaware County, Haverford Township is working to prevent such tragedies in the municipality.

The Haverford Township Board of Commissioners Monday voted unanimously to advance Ordinance No. P9-2025, which creates rules and regulations regarding electric scooter and electric bicycle use in the township.

The move comes after Abigail Gillon, 12, died June 16 after she and 11-year-old Isabella Jones were hit by a vehicle as they rode an electric scooter in Aston Township on June 14. Jones has since returned home and is recovering after being seriously hurt in the crash.

Under the proposed ordinance, which had its first reading Monday, anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding an e-bicycle or e-scooter. This also applies to anyone operating the e-bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer.

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An introductory period for these new rules will be in place after the ordinance becomes law through Dec. 31.

During that period, warnings will be issued for violations rather than fines being imposed.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a $25 fine will be imposed for violations.

The board of commissioners is expected to vote the ordinance into law on at their Sept. 8 meeting. If they approved the ordinance at that meeting, it will go into effect Sept. 18 with the grace period running through the end of the year.