WPD offers guidance on rules for e-bikes, motorized foot scooters

With the summer just getting started, complaints about e-bikes and motorized foot scooters have quickly become a concern for many community members and for the Worthington Police Department.

The WPD noted in the June edition of its monthly newsletter that one of its officers witnessed a youth on one of these devices nearly get hit by two different vehicles. WPD officers have been increasing traffic enforcement on these vehicles, which includes issuing warnings and citations to the offenders.

A traffic law summary provided by the police department states that e-bikes must follow all traffic and bicycle laws, and individuals be at least 15 years old or older to ride then (no license required). A class 1 or class 2 electric-assisted bicycle can ride on bicycle paths and trails unless a listed authority restriction applies. Helmets are required for those under age 18.

For motorized foot scooters, their users must follow all traffic laws. Operation on a sidewalk is prohibited except when entering or leaving adjacent property. Carrying passengers is prohibited. People must be 12 years old or older to ride (no license required). Helmets are required for those under age 18. When making a left turn, the rider must stop and dismount the scooter and walk the scooter across the roadway.