Delco Town OKs New E-Scooter, E-Bike Helmet Ordinance

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — In the wake of a young Delaware County girl's death, Haverford Township is looking to increase safety of local youths who are riding e-bikes and e-scooters.

The township's board of commissioners Monday night approved No. P9-2025, which creates rules and regulations regarding electric scooter and electric bicycle use in the township.

Ordinance P9-2025 requires anyone under the age of 16 to 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.

>>>RELATED: Wearing A Helmet Is Sweet In Haverford Township<<<

The ordinance goes into effect on Sept. 18. An introductory period will run through Dec. 31, during which violators will be issued warnings.

Then on Jan. 1, 2026, violators will be issued $25 fines.

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.

State Sen. Tim Kearney (D-26th District) is working to establish legislation regarding e-scooter operation regulation in Pennsylvania.

If passed, it will authorize municipalities to pass ordinances that include stiffer penalties for underage violations.

He said as of now, electric scooters are undefined in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and are technically not legal to ride on local or state streets and sidewalks.

"As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure we are properly adapting our laws to accommodate popular technology SAFELY," he said.

He is calling his proposed legislation "Abby's Law" in honor of the late youth.