The Westbrook Police Department is looking to the City Council to pass an ordinance banning small, motorized bicycles or skateboards.
Police say they have noticed an increased number of accidents involving the users of “go-peds” and have asked for the ban in the interest of public safety.
The vehicles that would be subject to the proposed ban would include small, unregistered scooters, motorized skateboards, “pocket” motorcycles and gas- and electric-powered vehicles. These vehicles have gained popularity in the last year or so and represent a new danger on the streets, according to police.
Unlike mopeds and larger motorized scooters, these smaller scooters do not have to be registered. Maine law requires that moped and motorized scooter operators have a motor vehicle or motorcycle license and they must limit their speed to below 30 miles an hour, among other restrictions. Police said the state law is not being followed in many instances, with some people traveling well in excess of 30 mph.
If the ordinance were passed as proposed by police, the only place it would be legal to ride go-peds in Westbrook would be in private driveways.
There’s no doubt that the miniature vehicles are dangerous, but banning them outright is heavy-handed.
There are plenty of people who ride scooters safely and responsibly, and it isn’t fair to them to take away their fun.
Some city councilors have said they don’t think a ban is the answer. Councilor Suzanne Joyce said she was hesitant to agree to a ban if it meant people who have purchased the vehicles would now not be able to use them. “I don’t know if we should penalize these families who’ve purchased them,” she said.
Councilor Drew Gattine said he didn’t think he would favor a ban given the continuing spike in fuel prices, and the trend for new forms of transportation to emerge as an alternative. “I’m very supportive of crafting something that works,” he said. “But I’m a little leery of the all-out ban.”
Joyce and Gattine have the right idea. An all-out ban would be a penalty against every resident who rides the small scooters within the frame of the law.
But, there are legitimate safety concerns that need to be addressed as well. As an alternative to a complete ban, the council should consider limiting the use of the vehicles to daylight hours only. In addition, the city could pass an ordinance requiring the use of helmets and limiting go-peds and similar vehicles to 30 mph, or even slower, with offending drivers subject to fines and increased penalties for multiple offenses.
The schools could even help by offering courses that promoted rider safety either through the schools or the adult education program. That would be a proactive step towards keeping people safe.
The police have the right idea in looking at ways to keep people safe on the roads. But there are plenty of ways to do that without resorting to an outright ban.
After all, it’s not fair to punish everybody just because a few people aren’t capable of playing by the rules.
Mike Higgins, assistant editor
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