West University Place officials will bring new options on how to strengthen the city’s electric micromobility devices ordinance at their next meeting.
What happened
At their Sept. 14 meeting, city officials discussed proposed amendments to the city’s ordinance as presented by council members Kalie Rainsberger and Clay Brett. The proposals included requiring headlights for nighttime operation, establishing violation fines and impoundment, registering devices with the city, and setting age restrictions.
Brett said that there was no “perfect” solution due to the city’s limits on regulation based on state laws, and the ever-changing types of electronic micromobility devices.
“It’s a really difficult burden as a government that wants to balance children's freedom and ability to develop and establish a sense of independence, and use their mobility for good things,” he said. “But also, obviously, maintaining a safe community.”
During the discussion, some city officials felt that there were other options the city could explore. Council member John Barnes referenced the ordinance in Highland Park, near Dallas,, and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation against anyone under the age of 16 using e-scooters due to serious injury risks.
“Highland Park in Dallas … is probably the most comparable community to ours in the state,” Barnes said. “It has banned the use of e-scooters on public streets and sidewalks anywhere within their city limits for the past seven years.”
Suggestions discussed included adding parts of Highland Park’s ordinance to West U’s. Highland Park’s ordinance bans e-bikes from sidewalks, walkway trails or areas for pedestrian traffic; prohibits electronic device use while operating an e-bike; and requires anyone under 21 to wear a helmet.
Other suggestions included requiring taillights, in addition to the suggested headlights, on devices and banning use of the devices in city parks.
What's next
Council did not pass any official changes, but voted by consensus to add the suggested items to the ordinance. The city attorney will draft an updated ordinance for council to consider at its Sept. 28 meeting.
