STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
With a second reading of an ordinance regulating electronic bikes and electronic scooters on the Glasgow City Council agenda tonight, police chief Guy Howie recently talked about the proposed rules.
Howie said the proposal primarily targets riders under 18 and includes helmet requirements and age-based riding restrictions.
Howie said police have seen several near-disastrous incidents involving young riders, including on Happy Valley Road, South Green Street and downtown. He described riders pulling into the street and said the proposal is intended to address safety concerns before a serious incident occurs.
Under the proposal, riders younger than 16 could not operate Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, Howie said. Those riders would also be limited to scooters that do not exceed 20 mph.
All operators younger than 18 would have to wear helmets, according to Howie. He also described direct adult supervision requirements for young children.
Howie said the proposal includes lighting requirements for nighttime riding and a ban on modifications that increase speed. Riders would have to obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians.
He also outlined restrictions on handheld phones and earbuds. Passengers would be prohibited unless the bike is designed to carry them, he said.
Howie encouraged parents to review the proposal before buying e-bikes or scooters as gifts and to discuss the rules with children who already ride. He said Glasgow Independent School distributed an informational flyer through its digital list.
Key Facts:
– The second-reading vote is scheduled for Oct. 12.
– The proposal primarily targets riders under 18.
– Riders under 16 would be barred from class three e-bikes.
– Scooters used by riders under 16 could not exceed 20 mph.
– Operators under 18 would have to wear helmets.
What’s Next:
The council is set to consider the proposal at its next meeting. Howie said residents can read the full proposed ordinance on the city website, find a flyer on the Glasgow Police Department’s Facebook page and direct questions to the department.
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