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Rangeley commission weighs e-scooter rules, helmet guidance and court use
Summary
Commission members reviewed public complaints about electric scooters using basketball and tennis courts and walkways, discussed safety, helmet rules for under-16 riders, enforcement limits under current law and options including education, ordinance work or a dedicated skate/bike area.
Commissioners and staff spent substantial time discussing complaints about electric scooters using park courts, walkways and grassy fields. Staff noted the performance differences among scooters (some can reach higher speeds) and emphasized that local enforcement options are limited by uncertainties in state/local regulation. The record notes one complaint captured on camera of a scooter traveling ‘20–30’ mph near pedestrians.
Members proposed a range of responses: an education campaign for riders, clearer signage and QR-linked rules, short-term monitoring during summer and referral to the ordinance committee if local rules are needed. Staff reminded the commission that under-16 riders are supposed to wear helmets, but enforcement is not being done by park staff and would likely fall to law enforcement.
Commissioners also discussed the wording of park rules that distinguish between tennis-court and basketball-court uses and whether an enclosed court can better discourage wheeled use. Some members suggested planning a dedicated skate/bike area to provide a controlled alternative for riders.
The commission directed staff to research state regulations and return with recommendations, and to work with Marty (staff) on signage and QR codes to make rules more accessible to visitors.
