LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – E-bike and e-scooter safety is top of mind for lawmakers in Nevada.
They just heard how a new bill would make riders of bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters responsible for operating under the same rules as cars and trucks.
FOX5 heard from local school police officials on how those electric rides can pose a danger in school zones.
A traffic unit lieutenant says he’s seen some models go up to 50 miles an hour through school zones!
Lieutenant, Michael Campbell with CCSDPD’s Traffic Unit says he’s tired of seeing students getting hurt.
“The biggest problem is we’re seeing them drive very recklessly in our school zones around our kids, and it’s causing injuries,” Campbell said. He explains how getting caught isn’t a slap on the wrist. “It starts at a misdemeanor to drive reckless. If you’re doing trick driving, wheelies, that’s an automatic gross misdemeanor.”
Campbell says 84 students were hit by vehicles this school year, and six of those involved either an e-bike or e-scooter.
That’s why he welcomes the new bill.
Assembly Bill 168 was brought by Nevada State Representative, Heather Goulding.
“I think that some of the concerns revolve around almost a gray area between an electric bike and a progression to a motorcycle,” Goulding said. She also specifically mentioned how she’s been hearing of speeding incidents in Clark County. “Particularly in Southern Nevada, there are some groups of young bicyclists that were have been biking irresponsibly on electric bicycles that have caused some public safety concerns.”
The bill is about public safety and states all riders of e-bikes and e-scooters on the roads are subject to all of the duties as the driver of a vehicle.
Some members of the younger crowd tried to tell lawmakers they are safe while riding during the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure meeting.
As careful as some may be, Lieutenant Campbell says many of these high-speed electric rides shouldn’t even be on the road.
“Because there is a lack of laws right now, they could be considered motorcycles if they’re riding on the street because a dirt bike should be ridden off road,” Campbell said. “It should never be on the street, but when they ride them on the street, that’s when we consider them a motorcycle where they have to be licensed, insured, registered.“
If your child is caught riding illegally, parents or guardians can be held liable, and the e-bikes can even get towed.
Some e-bikes and scooters are capable of high speeds, and no training is required to use them.
School police officials say to wear a helmet, use designated bike lanes, and pay attention to all traffic signs and signals.
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