State Police Warning: E-Scooters Are Illegal On Most Streets & Sidewalks

As kids across Pennsylvania enjoy the electric scooters they received this holiday season, state law enforcement and transportation officials are reminding families that the popular gifts are largely illegal to operate on public property.

While electric scooters have surged in popularity, Pennsylvania State Police recently issued a warning to parents and riders.

“Make sure you know the laws and where you can legally ride,” they said. “After all, even Santa checks his list twice.”

Under current state law, electric scooters are classified as vehicles, which requires them to be titled and registered through PennDOT, and they must meet specific equipment and inspection standards.

According to law enforcement officials, most consumer-grade scooters lack the mirrors, turn signals and other safety equipment necessary to pass these inspections.

Because they cannot be registered, they cannot be legally operated on public roads.

Pennsylvania law also prohibits the use of electric scooters on sidewalks.

According to PennDOT, the primary legal place to ride an electric scooter in the state is on private property.

For those purchasing larger motor scooters intended for travel, PennDOT officials say to look for a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards certification label near the steering post. Without the label, a scooter is not intended for and cannot be used on roadways.

A PennDOT fact sheet noted that individuals can be charged with a DUI if caught operating an electric scooter, e-bike or pedalcycle while impaired in public areas.

The popularity of electric scooters has grown in recent years, with warnings and complaints coming to municipalities and police departments around the state.

In June 2025, 12-year-old Abigail Gillon died following an e-scooter crash in Delaware County.

In response, State Sen. Tim Kearney, a Democrat, introduced Senate Bill 1008, known as “Abby’s Law,” in the fall.

The legislation seeks to move e-scooters out of the current legal limbo and into the state’s Vehicle Code with specific safety standards.

If passed, Abby’s Law would:

• Establish a minimum riding age of 16.
• Require helmets for all riders aged 16 and 17.
• Set a statewide speed limit of 20 mph for the devices.
• Ban multiple riders on a single scooter.
• Mandate that riders follow existing bicycle traffic rules.

Some municipalities have also introduced local ordinances to put further restrictions on e-scooters.

Note: This story first appeared on Levittownnow.com. It is republished here with permission.