Some cities throughout the state have put regulations in place for light weight electric scooters. Now state lawmakers are looking at doing the same thing statewide.
In the House version of the transportation budget, scooters couldn't go over 15 mph, and would be required to use lighting at night. Riders would have to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal when overtaking and passing a pedestrian. Also kids under 16 couldn’t use the scooters.
The bill also says scooters would be exempt from state registration, title and insurance requirements for vehicles.
The Senate is now considering the transportation budget, which has to be signed March 31.
Columbus City Council banned scooters from operating on sidewalks last September. The Columbus rules also include a speed limit of 20 miles per hour, ban riders from wearing headphones in both ears, prohibit the parking of scooters on portions of sidewalks used by pedestrians, and require drivers under the age 18 to wear a helmet.