Lockport City Council Approves Electric Scooters for Adults

UPDATE: The Lockport City Council has just approved new ordinances allowing adults to legally operate low-speed electric scooters on city streets. This significant decision was made during a vote on the evening of October 4, 2023, and marks a major shift in local transportation regulations.

Under the newly passed ordinances, adults over the age of 18 can ride electric scooters equipped with proper reflectors and lights on roads with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or lower. This aligns local laws with existing state regulations, which currently render these scooters illegal on non-state roads.

The scooters, defined as devices weighing less than 100 pounds with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing, must not exceed speeds of 10 miles per hour and can only be powered by electric motors or human effort. Riders can also utilize sidewalks, non-restricted trails, and designated bike lanes on roads with higher speed limits.

This ordinance modifies previous city rules that prohibited unlicensed motor vehicles from public and private properties without authorization. Now, electric scooters are exempt from these restrictions, meaning they can be operated without a driver’s license or insurance. However, riders must adhere to safety regulations, including riding solo and maintaining at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

Lockport officials have emphasized the importance of this ordinance, stating it aims to provide adults with the freedom to ride electric scooters while creating a safer environment that discourages children and teenagers from using them. Violations under state law could lead to fines as high as $250, while local infractions may result in fines up to $75 or community service.

As this development unfolds, many residents are expected to share their opinions and experiences with the new regulations. The city is poised to see an increase in electric scooter usage, potentially transforming local transportation and providing a new option for eco-friendly commuting.

Stay tuned for further updates as Lockport embraces this innovative step towards modern mobility.