(Harlan) The Harlan City Council heard from concerned residents Tuesday night about the use of electric scooters in town.
One resident told the council that a child riding an electric scooter collided with her vehicle last Thursday.
In August, the Harlan City Council approved the final reading of an ordinance amending the City’s Code of Ordinances to add new rules regulating the use of electric scooters.
The council held a lengthy discussion on the issue, with members agreeing that more education is needed to promote safe scooter use. Council members also emphasized that addressing the issue will take a team effort from riders, families and the community.
Harlan’s ordinance requires all riders of motorized scooters, electric scooters, and low-speed vehicles to follow the rules of the road, traffic laws, and operate in a safe and courteous manner. It prohibits riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carrying more passengers than the vehicle’s capacity, or operating in a reckless way. Among other rules, riders must yield when emerging from alleys or driveways, keep at least one hand on the handlebars, and avoid riding more than two abreast except where paths are designated for scooters. Scooters are not allowed on sidewalks in the business district or where signs prohibit them.
