Clark County pursues rules for e-bikes, scooters
Clark County officially introduced an ordinance on Tuesday to regulate the use of electric bicycles and scooters in public spaces.
The County Commission item moves to a May 6 public discussion before commissioners could vote on the proposed law at a later date.
The proposal sets parameters on what types of electric-powered bikes and scooters are allowed on recreation paths, what speed they can travel and what fines people could face if they disobey the ordinance.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill recently spoke about the lack of public safety education related to their use and an uptick of reports of injuries, including fatalities.
“You have these bicycles that every single one of these kids are getting bought by their parents because all their friends have them,” he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “These things are going 28, some of them 40 mph, when they’re modified.”
“Young kids should just not have these things,” he added.
If approved, the ordinance will define electric scooters and bicycles, breaking up the latter into three categories dependent on how the bikes operate and how fast they go.
Only e-bikes that require pedaling and go no faster than 20 mph would be allowed at county parks and trails.
“It shall be unlawful for any person to perform stunts, wheelies, ride on handlebars, operate at unsafe speeds, or engage in any other reckless behavior while operating an electric bicycle or an electric scooter in county locations under this section,” according to the ordinance.
McMahill said operators were involved in “trick riding,” comparing it to stunts some motorcyclists do.
“They’re driving down with wheelies and one leg hanging and again, getting hurt significantly,” the sheriff said.
The ordinance also sets the rules for riding on sidewalks and roadways, recommending helmets for adults and requiring it for children.
Under the ordinance, a person cited for the first time would pay $150, $300 for a second offense, and $600 for a third.
Commissioner Justin Jones, who requested the ordinance, said the county was coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and state lawmakers to establish uniform rules.
Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
