Mobility scooters in Pennsylvania: pedestrian status explained

Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code answers the "am I a driver or a pedestrian?" question in plain words. The Vehicle Code's own definitions place a person with a mobility-related disability who rides an electrical mobility device among pedestrians, and keep that device out of the definition of a vehicle.

That has practical effects on where you ride and how traffic must treat you. The exact wording is below, followed by notes on Pennsylvania weather, scooter choices for different routines, and TechOWL's lending and reuse programs.

The Vehicle Code's definitions, word for word

Section 102 of Title 75 sets the terms. In 75 Pa.C.S. § 102, "Pedestrian" means any of the following: "(1) An individual afoot. (2) An individual with a mobility-related disability on a self-propelled wheelchair or an electrical mobility device operated by and designated for the exclusive use of an individual with a mobility-related disability. (3) A personal delivery device."

The same section defines "Vehicle" as "Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon rails or tracks," and continues: "The term does not include a self-propelled wheelchair or an electrical mobility device operated by and designed for the exclusive use of a person with a mobility-related disability."

Do not confuse that with the code's other "scooter" terms. A "Motor-driven cycle" is "A motorcycle, including a motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower," and an "Electric personal assistive mobility device" is "A self-balancing, two-nontandem-wheeled device designed to transport only one person." Neither describes a mobility scooter used by a person with a mobility-related disability.

Being a pedestrian carries duties as well as protections. Section 3544(a) says: "Where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway." In return, § 3542(a) requires that when signals are not in place or not operating, "the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection." For people with low vision, § 3549(a) requires drivers to "yield the right-of-way to any totally or partially blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog," with a fine "of not less than $50 nor more than $150."

One caution: the pedestrian definition is tied to riders with a mobility-related disability. If a scooter is used by someone without one, we cannot tell you how the code treats it. Local ordinances on sidewalks can also vary; your municipality can answer questions about a specific street.

Weather on a Pennsylvania sidewalk

NOAA's Pennsylvania climate summary describes conditions that reach every rider at some point. "Winter storms are a common occurrence," lake-effect parts of the northwest can see "more than 100 inches of snow annually," and "Heavy rains can cause particularly damaging floods when they combine with spring snowmelt." In summer, "High temperatures combined with high humidity can create dangerous heat index values," and "July 2020 also tied for the all-time hottest month for the state."

For scooter riders, the cold months are about surfaces: unplowed sidewalks, slush at curb ramps and puddles hiding broken pavement. The hot months are about the rider, so plan errands for cooler hours and keep water within reach. In every season, charge and store the scooter indoors, and give yourself extra margin on battery range when the weather is harsh.

Choosing a scooter for your routine

• Pride Victory LX Sport: for someone out every day. It has CTS suspension, an eco and sport mode switch, and a light package with an LED headlight and directional signals, useful on darker winter afternoons. Pride lists range up to 19.7 miles at 200 lbs.
• Pride Revo 2.0 4-wheel: for yards, gravel lanes and park paths. Comfort-Trac suspension front and rear helps on rough ground, it carries 400 lbs, and it breaks down into five main pieces, the heaviest 57 lbs.
• Pride Go Go Endurance Li: for trips, Pride pairs CTS front and rear suspension with feather-touch disassembly, so the frame separates into five pieces with one hand. The heaviest piece is 40.75 lbs, and the standard 8Ah lithium pack is one Pride describes as airline-safe.
• Pride Maxima 4-wheel: a heavy-duty frame for riders up to 500 lbs, with up to 19.5 miles per charge and an optional power elevating seat that raises the rider an extra 6.25 in., handy at store counters.

Figures are from each product's Faith Mobility page. Range numbers are the maker's, at stated conditions.

TechOWL: borrow, reuse and finance

Pennsylvania's assistive technology program is TechOWL, listed by the AT3 Center and based at Temple University's Institute on Disabilities. Its lending library invites people to "Try assistive technology, for free!", though mobility devices "are available for in-person pick up only." TechOWL's reuse program, REEP, offers "walkers, canes, wheelchairs, shower chairs, and more!" at "no or reduced cost" to other Pennsylvanians with disabilities. For buying new, the help-with-pay page describes the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation's "0% interest and low-interest cash loans with extended repayment terms."

Getting a scooter to Pennsylvania

Faith Mobility ships to the lower 48 states and DC. Orders over $500 ship free; under $500, shipping is $15. We cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, and some brands differ. See shipping to Pennsylvania, or start with the scooter fit check.

Questions about mobility scooters in Pennsylvania

Is a mobility scooter rider a pedestrian in Pennsylvania?

Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 102, a pedestrian includes "An individual with a mobility-related disability on a self-propelled wheelchair or an electrical mobility device operated by and designated for the exclusive use of an individual with a mobility-related disability." The same section says such a device is not a vehicle. We could not confirm how the code treats riders without a mobility-related disability.

Do I have to use the sidewalk on a scooter in Pennsylvania?

For pedestrians, yes, where practicable. Section 3544(a) says that where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along an adjacent roadway. If the sidewalk is blocked by snow or broken, the word practicable matters; your local police can explain how it is applied.

Do drivers have to yield to me in a Pennsylvania crosswalk?

Section 3542(a) says that when traffic-control signals are not in place or not operating, a driver shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Since the code counts qualifying mobility device riders as pedestrians, that rule speaks to scooter riders too. Always confirm a driver has seen you before crossing.

Can I borrow a scooter or get a used one in Pennsylvania?

TechOWL's lending library lets Pennsylvanians try assistive technology for free, with mobility devices available for in-person pickup only. Its REEP reuse program offers walkers, canes, wheelchairs, shower chairs and more at no or reduced cost to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Ask TechOWL directly what scooters are in stock.

Compare models in our mobility scooter collection, try the scooter fit check, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• 75 Pa.C.S. § 102, definitions
• 75 Pa.C.S. § 3544, pedestrians on sidewalks and roadways
• 75 Pa.C.S. § 3542, right-of-way in crosswalks
• 75 Pa.C.S. § 3549, blind pedestrians
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Pennsylvania
• Faith Mobility: Pride Victory LX Sport
• Faith Mobility: Pride Revo 2.0 4-wheel
• Faith Mobility: Pride Go Go Endurance Li
• Faith Mobility: Pride Maxima 4-wheel
• AT3 Center: state AT programs
• TechOWL: lending library
• TechOWL: REEP reuse program
• TechOWL: help with pay