If you’ve been thinking of shelling out hundreds of dollars for an electric scooter for your child, you may want to take a pass on that if you live in Peru.
The Peru City Council Monday night amended ordinances regulating things like bicycles, electric bikes, and electric scooters. When it comes to a low-speed electric scooter, which include popular models where the operator stands on a floorboard with two or three wheels, it’s now illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to operate one of these on Peru sidewalks or streets. This is in line with a state act that was passed in 2024. Also it’s now unlawful for anyone under the age of 16 in Peru to operate an electric bicycle that can exceed 28 miles per hour.
Electric scooters, skateboards, electric bikes, and non-electric bikes are not allowed on sidewalks within the downtown business district, which includes stretches of 4th and 5th streets. Anyone getting around on skates, skateboards, or toy vehicles can only legally get around on crosswalks, not on Peru streets.
Fines for first offenses will be at minimum $75. The Peru ordinance states that any parent or guardian of a child 17 years old or younger that’s found in violation of the amended rules, is breaking the law.
City leaders say they plan to educate the public on the new restrictions for who can operate electric bikes and electric scooters. This education will include social media posts and officers discussing rules at school assemblies.
Alderman Andy Moreno says it’s a good ordinance that’s going to protect citizens of Peru and people visiting Peru.
