New Rules for Motorized Scooters & Electric Bikes

This summer we have received several complaints and concerns about youth on these types of vehicles.  Whether it was near misses with vehicles, reckless riding, or lack of helmets, this year brought attention to this issue as never before.  It has actually been illegal this entire time for anyone under 16 years of age to ride these type of vehicles on City streets or sidewalks under State law.  With the popularity of these vehicles continuing to grow with what seems like an ever younger group we decided to draft a Municipal Ordinance related to this which was passed by your City Council at their August 12th meeting.

What the ordinance requires

1. Helmets properly worn by any rider under 16.
2. Lighting required for any vehicles ridden during times of darkness.
3. No passengers.
4. Adult present for anyone under the age of 12.
5. Obey the rules of the road if ridden on the street.
6. Must be ridden on the far right side of the street in the correct lane of travel.
7. If ridden on the sidewalk must yield to pedestrians and any vehicles crossing into parking lots or driveways.
8. Vehicle must be ridden in a safe manner (Officer’s discretion).

What the ordinance allows

Vehicles can only be ridden on the street or sidewalk for those under 16 years of age, where the speed limit is 25 MPH or less.

Consequences

The vehicle will be confiscated and only returned to a parent or guardian.

The Police Department plans to raise awareness about this issue through an education campaign that will include classes and possibly training offered to both riders and their parents. For questions, please contact Chief Dan Yourkoski. If you would like to learn more about this, please join us at the next Town Hall, scheduled for September 24th at 7:00 PM.

“It has actually been illegal this entire time for anyone under 16 years of age…“