First there were bicycles, then skateboards. If its transportation predecessors are any indication, the motorized scooter won’t be going anywhere anytime soon – except zooming down a street near you.
And that’s the problem. People are fed up with the noise motorized scooters make as they speed through their neighborhoods. They’re also worried they’ll hit a child riding on one. These concerns have made their way to city councils throughout the county and now to the ears of legislators – some of whom want to regulate the use of scooters on a statewide level.
State lawmakers have plenty of work to keep them busy this upcoming session without regulating scooters at this time. Several local jurisdictions have already taken up the matter, with others likely to follow soon. Handling the matter at a local level – along with parental responsibility and common sense – is the best approach.
Two years ago lawmakers decided to allow the two-wheeled, electric-powered Segways on bike paths and sidewalks after many tried one out for themselves in a demonstration of the latest technology. We were critical then of the Legislature’s decision to pre-empt cities’ and counties’ rights to set reasonable rules for their own walkways – not to mention the added burden that would be placed on law enforcement. Then, last year, they passed a law allowing motorized foot scooters a status similar to bicycles.
Kids are much more likely to ride the scooters, which are smaller and far less expensive than the Segway. And who could blame them? They’re small, zippy and fun.
They’re also noisy and potentially dangerous – as is any mode of transportation. That’s why local jurisdictions are taking the initiative to do what’s best for their residents. Arlington officials have decided scooter drivers must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet and motors must have an automatic kill switch. They can’t drive on sidewalks, city paths or parks and can’t go faster than 25 mph. Everett passed a similar ordinance with a few changes, including a speed limit of 15 mph at night and a rule that says dealers must put mufflers on scooters before selling them. Other cities require reflective devices, prohibit riding at night and allow drivers as young as 14 to operate scooters.
Life is dangerous, and children can be injured crossing the street, whether they’re walking, pedaling a bicycle or maneuvering a scooter. Cities and counties are doing their part to establish rules best suited to their areas. It’s up to parents and guardians to make sure their children know and follow those rules.
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