(Harlan) The Harlan City Council is considering an ordinance updating regulations for electric scooters, motorized scooters, and low-speed vehicles within the city.
Under the proposed ordinance, operators would be required to follow all applicable traffic laws and operate vehicles safely and courteously, taking into account street and weather conditions and the safety of others. Vehicles could not carry more passengers than their designed capacity.
Children under 12 would not be allowed to operate an electric scooter, motorized scooter, or low-speed vehicle on a roadway, sidewalk, trail, or other public property unless directly supervised by a parent, guardian, or individual at least 16 years old. The restriction would not apply to human-powered pedestrian conveyances or bicycles.
The ordinance would also prohibit operation of the vehicles anywhere within the city, including private property, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Additional restrictions would apply in Harlan’s Business District. Riding an electric scooter, motorized scooter, or low-speed vehicle would not be permitted on sidewalks or streets within the designated district, which includes Court and Market Streets from 5th to 8th Streets, and 6th and 7th Streets from Durant Street to Hill Street.
The ordinance would also establish parental responsibility when a motorized scooter, electric scooter, or low-speed vehicle operator under age 14 violates the chapter and the parent, guardian, or supervising individual knowingly permits or fails to reasonably supervise the minor.
A warning may be issued for a first violation involving a minor under 14, while subsequent violations may result in a citation to the parent or guardian.
The proposed ordinance states that personal transportation devices would not be subject to registration, licensing, titling, inspection, or proof of financial liability coverage requirements under Iowa Code Chapter 321 unless otherwise required by state law. Riders also would not be required to possess a driver’s license or permit unless required by Iowa law.
Violations could be prosecuted as simple misdemeanors or municipal infractions. A municipal infraction would carry a $50 civil penalty for a first offense and $75 for subsequent offenses.
If a violation causes injury to another person, the civil penalty would be $100 for a first offense and $150 for each additional offense.
The ordinance would take effect following final passage, approval, and publication as provided by law.
