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LOCAL REGULATIONS After my son’s accident, I began to follow discussions of local lawmaking much more carefully. I’m sharing sample language from Orchard Park not only because I happen to live there, but also because their e-bike and e-scooter regulations address a range of issues affecting commumities across Erie County. SUMMARY OF SAMPLE REGULATIONS A helmet is required for every operator of an e-bike or e-scooter during use. [§179-4. LA] No e-bikes or e-scooters are permitted on public sidewalks. [$179-4.1.C] E-bikes or e-scooters may not be operated in traffic in a negligent or careless manner. [$179-4.1.D] E-bikes or e-scooters may not exceed 15 mph within the Village of Orchard Park. [§ 179-4.1.E] E-bikes or e-scooters operated after sunset must have appropriate lighting/reflective equipment, [§179-4.1.F] Operators must yield to pedestrians. (§179-4.1.I] Operators must ride single file on public streets. [§179-4.1.J] E-scooters are restricted to roads with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less. [§179-4.2.C] Violations carry escalating fines: $50 for the first offense, up to $100 for the second, up to $250 for subsequent offenses. [§179-6] Lo Ifthe violator is under 18, the summons goes to> the parent/guardian. [§179-6] Polige;have | authority té seize an e-bike or e-scooter used in violation and deldi it pending the investigation/prosecution. [§179-6} SAMPLE REGULATIONS The selections below are drawn from municipal code for the Village of Orchard Park via ecode360.com. §179-1. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare because of the hazards to the public and the users of skateboards, electric scooters, motorized scooters, and electric bicycles. The Board of Trustees finds that the regulations hereafter enacted are such that are reasonably necessary to accomplish these objectives. §179-2. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms will have the meanings indicated: ELECTRIC BICYCLE. Any bicycle as defined under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §102-c, and more specifically, a bicycle which is not more than 36 inches wide; has an electric motor that is Jess than 750 watts; is equipped with operable pedals; and complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1512.1 et seq. ELECTRIC SCOOTER. Any scooter as defined under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §114-e as a device weighing less than 100 pounds; has handlebars; has a floorboard of a seat that the operator can stand or sit upon; has an electric motor; can be powered by the electric motor and/or human power; and has a maximum speed of 20 mph on a paved surface when powered solely by the electric motor. HIGHWAY. Any public way as defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §118. LANE OF TRAFFIC. That portion of the paved surfaces of a highway or street normally and customarily used for vehicular traffic, but excluding any marked bike path. MOTORIZED SCOOTER. A skateboard or like device with two or more wheels and an upright steering mechanism attached to the front wheel or wheels, upon which a person or persons may ride propelled by other than muscular power, except that it shall not include an electrically driven mobility assistance device or wheelchair as those devices are defined in New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §130-a, nor shall it include any low-speed vehicle as defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §121-f. ONE-WHEEL SCOOTER. Any one-wheel device having any of the characteristics defined in "electric bicycle" or “electric scooter" or "motorized scooter." SIDEWALK. Those areas defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §1.44. STREET. Those areas defined by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §148.