LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Electric bikes have continued to grow in popularity over the last few years, including in Clark County.
“We see the scooters coming and they cross the street without even stopping without looking,” said Pamela and Mike Wages, who pick up their granddaughter at her middle school every day.
They say the electric rides have created some dangerous situations on the road around the campus.
“It’s just unsafe and they’re riding the sidewalks here,” said the Wages. “There’s kids walking and they’re not paying attention and parents aren’t paying attention.”
So far this school year, 303 students have been hit going to and from Clark County schools.
46% of them were on electric scooters or e-bikes.
“We’re seeing is failure to yield the ride-away, which could be defined as simple as not knowing the rules of the road, riding the devices where they might not be permitted or expected,” said Andrew Bennett, director for the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety.
E-bikes in general have become a major topic in the community, with some saying let the kids enjoy the time outside with friends, while others believe the riders are creating safety issues for themselves and drivers.
It’s left some to wonder how can you meet everyone in the middle of the issue.
“I don’t know I don’t know what the answer would be. I mean I know if it was my kid I’ve been saying well I seen you do this and you’re grounded for a while,” said Pamela.
Nevada uses a three-tier e-bike system under state law, depending on speed and whether your bike has a pedal or throttle assist.
You don’t need a license for these since they aren’t categorized as motor vehicles.
E-bikes in Nevada become illegal to operate as bicycles and in some cases require moped or motorcycle licenses if they go faster than 28 miles per hour.
Let’s take a look at what other states are doing:
Alaska requires a Class M license, but does not require registration or insurance.
Class M is an authorization to legally operate two or three-wheeled motorcycles on public roads. and requires passing safety and skills tests.
Arizona has a similar law to Alaska.
And in Hawaiii you need to register your e-bike. And you have to be 15 or older to ride.
Clark County Commission Chairman Michael Naft has been one of the main lawmakers involved in traffic safety in Southern Nevada.
While the county has already passed an ordinance for electric rides, he says a form of licensing may be worth exploring.
“I’ve called for looking at other states that have laws related to ATVs as an example, where you don’t necessarily require a full license, a full driver’s license,” said Naft.
He says it could require some sort of an education permit.
“To make sure that these individuals, whether they’re kids or adults, everybody is using these things, that they have some basic level of understanding of the rules of the road, how to be cautious when they’re traversing traffic, and how to make sure that they’re not putting themselves in harm’s way,” said Naft.
What do the Wages think?
“Safety course. A safety course,” they said. “To get to get a license permit whatever you want to call it but I don’t think they’re given rules and and and of course if you’re out of way from home Mom and Dad’s not going to see me.”
Last year a School Traffic Working Group was also created, made up of CCSD, law enforcement, and local jurisdictions who are exploring traffic safety as a whole, including electric rides.
They will be releasing a long set of recommendations next month or early May.
During special session last year, lawmakers passed a resolution to come up with a study on e-bikes and e-scooters. This could lead to more state laws in the future.
