Micromobility safety concerns drive new regulations and surveys

Local authorities and advocacy groups are addressing rising safety concerns related to micromobility devices, including e-scooters, e-bikes, and delivery e-motos.

In Palm Beach County, the Commission has approved a preliminary reading of an ordinance to regulate motorized micromobility. The proposed rules require operators to be at least 14 years old and possess a government-issued photo ID. To protect pedestrians, the ordinance sets a maximum speed limit of 15 mph on sidewalks and bicycle paths, which must drop to 10 mph when a pedestrian is within 50 feet. The regulations also prohibit certain maneuvers, such as intentionally lifting a wheel while moving, and restrict device use to designated lanes on roadways.

In San Francisco, a survey conducted by Walk San Francisco highlights significant pedestrian safety issues. The results indicate that 25.2% of respondents report daily issues involving food delivery e-motos, while 27.7% report daily issues with shared e-scooters. The survey found that 70% of participants had experienced a close call with a device, and 8% reported being hit by one while walking.