Fans of electric scooters would face new restrictions on their use under the terms of a bill introduced this week by Council President Sidney Katz (D-District 3).

Bill 8-20, Bicycles and E-Scooters—Operating Requirements and Registration, would create operating requirements for the use of low-speed electric scooters and is intended to reduce injuries, among other purposes.

“Electric scooters are a growing transportation method; however, there are few laws on the books regarding their operation,” Katz said in a press release. “The council wants to encourage all types of transportation options, but we must do so in a way that is safe for everyone including electric scooter riders.”

The new requirements would include:

Operators be at least 14 years old

Operators keeping speeds to less than 15 miles per hour, and

Operators less than 18 years old would be required to wear helmets.

In addition, the bill would prohibit “parking an electric scooter in multiple areas including, but not limited to, public streets, alleys, driveways and outdoor dining areas or in a manner that obstructs accessibility or prohibits the free flow of pedestrians,” according to the release.

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz (D-At Large) is a cosponsor of the bill, which also would update the definition of bicycle to conform to state law.

A public hearing on the legislation is scheduled for March 24 at 1:30 p.m.

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