Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stephens City council to ask state lawmakers for authority after e‑scooter safety concerns
Summary
Council members described near‑miss incidents involving e‑scooters and e‑bikes and asked Town Attorney David Griffin and Police Chief Bill Copp to prepare talking points and a resolution for the July meeting after the Ordinance Committee found state law limits the town’s independent regulation of such vehicles.
Stephens City Council discussed safety concerns about electric scooters and e‑bikes at its June 2 meeting and directed staff to prepare a resolution after being told state law constrains local regulation.
Councilmembers shared observations of near‑miss incidents involving young riders on town streets and sidewalks. Town Attorney David Griffin told council that the Ordinance Committee reviewed existing state enabling legislation and found significant conflicts and contradictions that limit the town’s ability to regulate these vehicles independently; the Commonwealth broadly treats such vehicles the same as motor vehicles on the highway, Griffin said.
Mayor Diaz encouraged councilmembers to contact state elected officials to advocate for enabling legislation that would give localities more authority. Council agreed that Town Attorney Griffin and Police Chief Bill Copp should prepare talking points for council and bring a resolution on the matter to the July meeting.
The council did not adopt an ordinance at the June 2 meeting; instead it requested staff work and potential state advocacy ahead of a proposed local resolution.
