Police say education and selective enforcement guide city response to e-scooter safety

The Middletown police chief told the council the city has focused on educating riders and downtown businesses about scooter safety while using selective enforcement where appropriate.

The chief said the department has developed a pamphlet for outreach and has prioritized education in the downtown business district, where officers and merchants have reported riders weaving in and out of foot traffic. The chief described different categories of electric vehicles that vary by weight, size and speed; some require registration and insurance depending on their classification.

Nut graf: The department said it uses education first but retains authority to issue summonses and, in certain circumstances, to remove a scooter. The council previously authorized tools that allow officers to issue summonses to people 16 and older for sidewalk riding.

Details from the meeting The chief said enforcement varies by circumstance: officers may seize scooters when juveniles are operating them dangerously and may turn the device over to parents; adults acting inappropriately may also have devices taken depending on the scooter’s classification and the facts at the scene. The chief said the department has handled ongoing outreach and received inquiries from other jurisdictions seeking Middletown’s approach.

Ending: The police chief requested continued council support for technology and enforcement resources used to investigate serious incidents; the council acknowledged the issue and encouraged continued education and targeted enforcement in downtown areas.