Parent advocates for legislation following fatal electric scooter accident involving her 12-year-old child
Electric Scooter Safety Law Proposed in Pennsylvania
In the aftermath of a tragic electric scooter accident that claimed the life of 12-year-old Abigail "Abby" Gillon in Aston, Pennsylvania, a new law called Abby's Law is planned to be introduced in the Pennsylvania State Senate. The legislation aims to enhance electric scooter safety by formalizing their status in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, making them street legal, and implementing stricter safety measures.
Senator Timothy Kearney is expected to introduce Abby's Law next month. The proposed law seeks to regulate electric scooters by requiring helmets for minors, prohibiting operation by children under 16 years old, and capping their speeds at 20 miles per hour. The legislation also aims to clear legal uncertainties around e-scooter usage and emulate bicycle safety rules.
Abby, an honor student at Ridley Middle School, was known for her love of swimming, cheerleading, and making people smile. Her mother, Lori Kralle, is determined to honor her daughter's memory and protect other children from similar fates. Lori remembers receiving a call from a nurse in the emergency room about Abby's condition, a call that would ultimately lead to her tragic death.
The Kralle family is committed to seeing Abby's Law through every step of the way. Abby's friend, who was riding with her at the time of the accident, survived. The family is working with a state legislator to pass this important legislation.
Ron Kralle, Abby's uncle, created a Facebook page to raise awareness and gather support for Abby's Law. Thousands of people have joined the page, and momentum is building for the legislation. However, there are those who argue against the legislation, claiming it limits their rights.
As of mid-August 2025, Abby's Law has not yet been formally introduced or passed in the Senate but is pending introduction in the near future. The community is hopeful that this proposed law will help prevent future tragedies and ensure electric scooter safety for all.
[1] Delaware County Daily Times, "Abby's Law: Family of Aston girl killed in electric scooter crash pushing for new legislation to make e-scooters safer", August 2025. [2] CBS Philadelphia, "Family of Aston Girl Killed in Electric Scooter Crash Pushes for New Law", August 2025. [3] Philadelphia Inquirer, "Family of Aston girl killed in electric scooter crash seeks new law to make e-scooters safer", August 2025. [4] NBC10 Philadelphia, "Family of Aston girl killed in electric scooter crash seeks new law to make e-scooters safer", August 2025. [5] 6ABC Philadelphia, "Family of Aston girl killed in electric scooter crash seeks new law to make e-scooters safer", August 2025.
- The proposed legislation, Abby's Law, extends beyond electric scooter safety, as it aims to clear legal uncertainties related to their usage, which can be compared to the uncertainties often found in the realm of general news and legislative changes.
- Just as electric scooter safety is important for people's health-and-wellness, so is the need for helmets, age restrictions, and speed limits in fitness-and-exercise activities, such as cycling, to ensure the safety of all participants.
- The media buzz surrounding Abby's Law has drawn parallels with other campaigns, such as sports-betting discussions, where passionate advocates push for change and gather support online, as evidenced by the numerous Facebook pages dedicated to the cause.
- The aftermath of the electric scooter accident that led to Abby's death was reminiscent of the impact car-accidents have on the community, with tragedy leading to the push for stricter safety measures and legislation to prevent future incidents.
