County Council Prepares Bill Regulating E-Scooters

Montgomery County introduced a bill Wednesday that would regulate the speed of electric scooters and how they must be stored after use.

The council attempted to regulate e-scooters last year but the bill expired before any action was taken as they weren’t being used as often during the pandemic, explained Councilmember Sidney Katz.

A public hearing will be held Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m.

“The goal is to reduce injuries,” Katz said. “This, in my opinion, is a common sense bill.”

Under the proposed legislation, county resident could register an e-scooter for personal use. The bill also would require the owner of more than one e-scooter to register and pay a fee for an e-scooter fleet offered for rent.

According to the bill, users must be at least 14 years old and cannot travel faster than 15 miles per hour. Those under 18 would be required to wear a helmet when riding on a public street, right-of-way or bicycle path.

When riders are finished, they must park the scooter in an upright, standing position where it does not obstruct pedestrian traffic or interfere with access for people with disabilities. Scooters can’t be parked in sidewalks that are five-feet wide or narrower, bicycle lanes, areas used for outside dining, driveways and transit zones.

“E-scooters provide an important alternate mode of transportation for many residents across our County. However, e-scooters have unfortunately contributed to pedestrian-related injuries,” noted Council Vice President Gabe Albornoz in a news release.

About Suzanne Pollak

Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.

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