A growing epidemic of accidents among children using e-bikes and other electric-powered micromobility devices is causing the Wellington Village Council to step in. Local leaders narrowly approved new regulations this month for the popular modes of travel that they believe will put children’s safety first.
The council considered two ordinances aimed at cracking down on usage of the devices among young children at a meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11. One of them amends an existing ordinance by updating golf cart penalties and creating a new section regulating micromobility devices on public rights-of-way. The other creates new regulations that restrict where bicycles, scooters and non-human-powered micromobility devices can be used within Wellington and expands deputies’ authority to enforce these new rules.
A micromobility device is a small, lightweight vehicle used for short-distance travel. Non-human-powered micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters have been increasing in popularity, especially among children. Depending on the type, they can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour…