With the first day of school just three weeks away, the Orange County School Board is discussing potential restrictions on e-bikes and scooters for students due to safety concerns. At many schools, e-bikes and scooters are commonly parked outside, but their use has raised safety issues. “What we’re seeing is kids getting hurt, kids not following the rules of the road, not wearing helmets,” said Orange County School Board member Angie Gallo. The board is holding a workshop on Tuesday to explore possible changes. Some of the ideas being considered include banning all elementary students from using micro-mobility devices, prohibiting modified e-bikes capable of speeds up to 28 miles per hour, banning chargers on campus and requiring students to register their devices and obtain a permit. Gallo said she wants to see data on whether students are getting injured while traveling to and from school before supporting a total ban. “I’ve heard mostly from people that say yes, ban the bikes, but I have heard from several who say, ‘Hey, I bought this for my child to get to and from school, and they’re angry about it,’” Gallo said. Another recommendation is to create a video to educate students about safety and the rules for using e-bikes and scooters. Gallo expressed support for this educational approach regardless of the board’s final decision. “I’m also concerned that if we ban them, they’re just going to ride them and then lock them up at the nearest tree, and then walk on to campus. Is it really going to solve an issue? I don’t want to create unintended consequences to solve an issue that may be better solved through education,” Gallo said. A final vote on the new policy for e-bikes and scooters is expected next week.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
With the first day of school just three weeks away, the Orange County School Board is discussing potential restrictions on e-bikes and scooters for students due to safety concerns.
At many schools, e-bikes and scooters are commonly parked outside, but their use has raised safety issues.
“What we’re seeing is kids getting hurt, kids not following the rules of the road, not wearing helmets,” said Orange County School Board member Angie Gallo.
The board is holding a workshop on Tuesday to explore possible changes.
Some of the ideas being considered include banning all elementary students from using micro-mobility devices, prohibiting modified e-bikes capable of speeds up to 28 miles per hour, banning chargers on campus and requiring students to register their devices and obtain a permit.
Gallo said she wants to see data on whether students are getting injured while traveling to and from school before supporting a total ban.
“I’ve heard mostly from people that say yes, ban the bikes, but I have heard from several who say, ‘Hey, I bought this for my child to get to and from school, and they’re angry about it,’” Gallo said.
Another recommendation is to create a video to educate students about safety and the rules for using e-bikes and scooters. Gallo expressed support for this educational approach regardless of the board’s final decision.
“I’m also concerned that if we ban them, they’re just going to ride them and then lock them up at the nearest tree, and then walk on to campus. Is it really going to solve an issue? I don’t want to create unintended consequences to solve an issue that may be better solved through education,” Gallo said.
A final vote on the new policy for e-bikes and scooters is expected next week.