E-Scooter Regulations In Montgomery County Unveiled In New Bill

ROCKVILLE, MD — A new bill introduced in the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday would reduce the speed limit on dockless electric scooters, establish a minimum age for riders, and prohibit parking in certain areas.

Electric scooters, known as e-scooters, have increased in popularity and visibility since 2017. Across America, people can rent these two-wheel devices from vendors such as Lime, Bird, and Jump. All they have to do is download the company's app, create an account, and link a credit or debit card. Riders are typically charged a fixed rate to unlock the e-scooter (usually $1) and then per minute as they ride (usually between 10 and 33 cents).

Few regulations existed when e-scooters hit city streets and sidewalks. But as more riders get hurt and more e-scooters clutter sidewalks and wheelchair ramps, lawmakers in Montgomery County and across the country are slapping new regulations on the motorized devices.

On Tuesday, Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz introduced Bill 8-20, which would require e-scooter riders to be at least 14 years of age and enforce a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit. The bill would also require riders under 18 years old to wear a helmet.

"Electric scooters are a growing transportation method; however, there are few laws on the books regarding their operation," said Katz. "The council wants to encourage all types of transportation options, but we must do so in a way that is safe for everyone including electric scooter riders."

Forbes reported a Jan. 8 study by JAMA Surgery found that nearly 3,300 people showed up to U.S. hospitals with scooter-related injuries between 2014 and 2018. Nearly a third of patients had head injuries.

The bill aims to address those safety concerns and reduce the number of injuries and incidents.

It also tackles parking issues.

Under this bill, e-scooters must be set in the upright position and can be parked on sidewalks other designated areas for up to 48 hours. They cannot be parked: on a public street or alley — unless the Department of Transportation says otherwise; in a driveway without the permission of the owner; in an area reserved for sidewalk dining; in transit zones, including bus stops, shelters, and passenger-waiting areas; in loading zones; and in parking zones dedicated to accessible parking.

Councilmember Craig Rice voiced his support for the bill but said he wanted to take the restrictions one step further.

"I've been incredibly concerned about these devices since the very beginning. Seeing in other states and jurisdictions where they've been rolled out — where they continue to provide challenges for people with mobility issues — primarily to those who are seniors and people with differing abilities," Rice said. "I certainly want to see us do this. I'd also love to see us do more and require that these scooters actually be docked because it still prevents a person from safe egress in a lot of areas."

Rice also raised concerns about the 48-hour window for scooter parking.

"Even a 48-hour window still does not make sure that a person who is trying to get to and from home, to and from stores, whatever the case may be ... can safely get around," he said.

Despite raising those concerns, Rice praised Katz and the bill's co-sponsor, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, for introducing the bill, saying: "I really thank you for taking what I believe is the first step in us really making sure that these devices are not impeding on our public's ability to use our public walkways, especially for our people with differing abilities."

A public hearing for the bill is scheduled on March 24 at 1:30 p.m.