I wrote an article about the rules of elec- tric foot scooter use a few years ago. This was at the beginning when we saw a few out and about. Scooters of that type have surged in popularity recently with most cities seeing a huge rise in the number. I wanted to see what they were like for my- self, so I rented one and went on a ride. My first thought was they were fast, I was surprised how quick they felt while riding. It was a fun way to get around and I can certainly see the appeal. I don’t see the popularity going away and more and more kids seem to be riding the rentals and having their own.
Fun but dangerous is how I would describe these scooters. I would have loved these as a teenager. I have heard rumblings from citizens concerned for the safety of the kids riding them. My honest thought is that Brown County will see a death or serious injury happening to a rider on a motorized foot scooter in the next few years.
There are laws for these scooters that I will go over again, but most par- ents didn’t see or follow the laws last time I wrote about this. This article really goes out to the par- ents and guardians of the kids riding these scoot- ers. If you don’t inform and teach your children about the safe way of riding these scooters the chance of your kid being involved in a life chang- ing incident goes up. Anytime we drive any- thing, there is a possibil- ity of a life-changing ac- cident happening. Using safe driving techniques, safety equipment and following the rules helps reduce the risks.
What makes these so dangerous is the lack of protection while driving them, the speed they travel, and kids are not usually known for following the rules on their own. Our kids need to be shown and watched for their own safety. We wouldn’t let our kids play on a busy street, so letting our kids drive these scooters outside of the laws seems like the same thing to me.
The state recognizes these scooters the same as a bicycle.
- All traffic signs must be obeyed, I have seen many kids blow though the stop sign by my house while I am outside. I cringe when I see it be- cause one of these times there will be a car that the rider does not see.
- Riding these scoot- ers on the sidewalk is prohibited.
- No one under 12 is al- lowed to ride these scoot- ers. If your child is 11 or younger, they cannot ride a scooter. Officers are not going to stop kids to check their age unless it is obvious that they are well under 12. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their child safe and not allow children under 12 to ride scooters.
- Helmets must be worn by anyone under the age of 18. Falling off a bike and hitting your head on a bike is danger- ous — I can’t imagine the damage that will be done falling off a scooter going 15 to 20 MPH.
- Scooters on the street must ride as close to the right-side curb as possible.
Please speak with your kids about being safe and following the rules to help keep them safe. No one is one hundred percent safe on a road, we can only try to minimize our risk. Please be safe and have fun.
