Scooters: Share the road, not the sidewalk

Parking, speed, and where not to ride are all address with the electronic scooter legislation, now in effect. The ban of electronic scooters on city of Columbus sidewalks proposed by mayor Andrew Ginther is now in effect.

Here’s the lowdown:

Roadway

E-scooters must be operated on a roadway and shall be operated in any bike lane, traffic lane, bike path, bike trail, or shared use path in the right of way where practicable, obeying all traffic laws and exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

Persons operating an e-scooter upon a roadway shall ride not more than two (2) abreast in a single lane, except on shared-use paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

An e-scooter may not be operated on any streets if the posted speed limit is over 35 mph unless in a dedicated bike lane or shared use path.

Sidewalks and Crosswalks

E-scooters shall not be operated on sidewalks nor within a crosswalk except when necessary to go on or off the adjacent property or to park the e-scooter after the operator has finished using it.

Freeways

Operation of a mobility device such as an e-scooter on the freeway system is strictly prohibited.

Speed

Operation of an e-scooter at speed greater than twenty (20) miles per hour is prohibited.

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Passengers and Packages

An operator of an e-scooter shall not carry another person or child at the same time. No person operating a e-scooter shall carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents the driver from keeping at least one (1) hand upon the handle bars.

Parking

No person shall park an e-scooter upon a sidewalk in such a manner so as to unduly interfere with pedestrian traffic or access.

This includes ADA ramps, areas departing to and from buildings and at transit stops.

No person shall park an e-scooter upon any street including parking spots and loading zones or as to unduly interfere with vehicular traffic.

An e-scooter may not be operated, parked or staged on private property without the consent of the property owner.

Earphones

No person shall operate an e-scooter while wearing earphones over, or earplugs in, both ears.

Conduct in Operation

An e-scooter operator will be subject to all local and state laws, including Disorderly Conduct under Columbus City Code Section 2317.11.

Read the full text of the order here.

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