With more kids riding electric scooters and e-bikes as the weather gets warmer, safety concerns are growing across the region, including at local parks.
In a social media post from Manchester Township officials, two kids can be seen riding an e-bike at Cousler Park.
“Currently, e-bikes as a motorized vehicle are prohibited on those trails,” Manchester Township Manager Tim James said.
As temperatures rise, more kids are riding electric scooters through neighborhoods and parks.
“Just a welcome addition, you know, any method to get around the loop, enjoy the weather, all accepted. They haven’t run me over yet, so that’s good,” said Austin Slater, who was visiting the park.
But some parents are concerned, especially with young children nearby.
“They are quite dangerous sometimes, and I have little kids, so I have to be very conscious when they’re around just because my kids are unpredictable and so are their e-bikes,” Chelsea Ozan said.
James explained the goal is to find a designated place for motorized scooters, but for now, safety comes first.
“Again, not taking recreation away, it’s putting it in the proper perspective,” James said.
Officials across York County are also urging people to wear helmets, follow traffic laws, and avoid busy or crowded areas.
Meanwhile, at New Cumberland Middle School in Cumberland County, the superintendent shared with FOX43 that they have added more bike racks as more students ride electric scooters to school.
“How can we encourage students to use that mode of transportation to and from school for recreation and leisure and to be safe in doing so,” Superintendent Todd Stoltz asked.
The district recently sent an email to families outlining safety guidelines and laws.
Leaders shared that more education could be coming.
“Mainly through PennDOT and through law enforcement, around the rules of the road, and what is legal. We worked together to develop some safety presentations that we are looking at, determining the audiences for those, and really, that’s a K-12 initiative,” Stoltz said.