With the growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters, Volusia County Schools (VCS) has launched a proactive campaign designed to educate and inform its students on how to operate these vehicles safely.
The self paced course, which is taught online through Canvas, is a new requirement for VCS students who want to ride an e-bike or e-scooters to school.
Students in Kindergarten through 12th grade can enroll in the course at any time. No VCS student will be permitted to ride an e-bike or e-scooter to school until they have completed the course.
“Once completed, a parent must sign off on a permission slip confirming the student has finished the required safety course,” stated VCS Chief Communications Officer Mike Micallef in an email. “Volusia County is expanding this approach so that both students and parents are educated, ensuring families understand the law together.”
Students with an e-bike who complete the safety course and sign the safety pledge will be issued a numbered VCS E-Bike Riding Permit sticker for their bike, according to VCS.
The safety course reminds students that Florida law requires riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet for brain protection in a crash. Night riders must also have lights on their bikes.
Riders are also encouraged to make sure their vehicles are ready for the trip to school by checking their tires, brakes, chain and battery.
Because e-bikes and e-scooters are different from regular modes of transportation, riders must also learn how to stay in control when their vehicle speeds up. This course tells riders that they should start slow, make their turns carefully, be prepared to stop, and match their speed with their surroundings.
A good ride to school starts with a good plan. Students are also encouraged to map their route in advance, select quiet streets with less traffic, stick to lanes and paths when possible, and cross at crosswalks and traffic signals.