HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Horry County could soon put new limits on electric scooters and other personal electric devices after a wave of complaints about riders dodging cars and people in busy areas.
One of the hottest spots for those complaints is Carolina Forest.
“Well, they’re not even looking, no concern about traffic, somebody’s going to get squashed, I mean, you can see it coming,” one resident said.
Proposed restrictions
Horry County leaders said they have heard dozens of complaints about e-scooters on sidewalks, high-speed roads, and other public areas.
The proposed ordinance creates a new definition for “personal electric devices,” which covers most electric-powered scooters and similar wheeled gadgets.
It does not apply to state-regulated e-bikes or to mobility devices used by people with disabilities.
Under the new rules, these devices could not be driven on roads with speed limits above 20 miles per hour, on public sidewalks, or on county-owned property like parks, parking lots, and green spaces.
Scooter speeds could not exceed 20 miles per hour. Lights and reflectors would be required, and reckless riding would be prohibited, so no cell phone usage would be allowed while operating one.
Residents cite safety concerns
In Carolina Forest, one neighbor said he learned how dangerous scooters can be the hard way.
“I was doing a dare with my friends when I was younger to see who could go faster down a hill on a scooter, and I got serious road burn,” said Adam Boutmir. “It was kind of bad.”
Others worry more about how scooters mix with heavy traffic, especially around schools and busy intersections.
“They’ll cut right in front of you to go down Postal Way or whatever, without even looking, so yeah, somebody is going to get killed,” said Patricia Peltz, a Carolina Forest resident.
Some drivers say conditions on the road can make those scooters even harder to see.
“Well, at certain times of the day, too, the sun hits you when you’re driving, the glare, and you can’t pick them up,” said Jeffrey Peltz, a Carolina Forest resident.
Next steps
The county said the ordinance is modeled after rules the city of Myrtle Beach adopted last year, but would only apply in the unincorporated parts of Horry County.
If it passes third reading, violating the ordinance would be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail.
County leaders said the goal is not to ban these devices but to keep them off the busiest roads and sidewalks and to cut down on close calls.
Council still has to give final approval on third reading before the ordinance takes effect.
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