City Council approves regulations for e-scooters

HURON – At Tuesday’s Huron City Council meeting, council unanimously approved motion with a list of regulations for the use and operation of electric scooters or e-scooters within city limits.

The city defines an e-scooter as “consisting of a long steering handle connected to a footboard that is mounted on two wheels and is propelled by an electric motor (or another type of motor), designed such that the rider of an e-scooter is able to keep both feet on the footboard while traveling.”

The new regulations state that e-scooters may be driven on shared-use paths, streets, and bike lanes; and may not be driven on pedestrian sidewalks. They also state that riders must use a signal of intention to turn, unless in a designated turn lane or a situation where handles are needed for safe operation, not carry packages that may hinder ability to control the e-scooter, not attach an e-scooter to a vehicle, not ride more than two e-scooters abreast in a single lane, ride on the right side of the roadway, adhere to all traffic rules, and not park the e-scooter on sidewalk that interferes with pedestrian traffic. It also requires e-scooters to have lights and reflectors. A ticket, citation or summons may be issued for violations.

Scooter Ding Ding has been operating e-scooter rentals in both Huron and Sandusky since this spring. They charge $1 to active the e-scooter and 35 cents per minute after to drive the e-scooter. Other companies have been operating e-scooter rentals in other Ohio cities. Several of those cities have passed similar regulations.