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Residents urge township action on fast-moving electric scooters; board plans a May briefing
Summary
A resident reported near-miss incidents involving electric scooters on paths and streets and urged the board to consider restrictions; the board confirmed the topic is already scheduled for a future meeting in May for staff and legal review.
A resident told the board on April 17 that electric scooters ridden by children are operating at unsafe speeds on paths and streets and asked the township to explore controls.
Phil Inman said he has experienced two close calls and described scooters traveling about 20 miles per hour, riding tandem, lacking lights, and using pedestrian paths marked "no motorized vehicles." He urged the township to consider measures such as a night ban and to research how other communities regulate scooters.
Board members acknowledged the concern. Directors noted the issue is scheduled as an agenda item in May and asked staff to research township authority and potential state-level remedies. The board did not take immediate action at the meeting; staff will report back with options at the upcoming agenda item.
Why it matters: Scooter use raises safety concerns for pedestrians, golf-cart users and drivers at crossing points; potential remedies may require legal review and coordination with state traffic law.
Board direction and next steps: Staff to prepare a May briefing on options, including ordinance-level controls, path restrictions, and state law considerations.
Quote from public comment: "It's a matter of time before there will be a serious incident, or God forbid, a death," Phil Inman said.
