OTHELLO — Othello School District has announced new guidelines for students riding e-bikes, e-scooters, or e-motorcycles to school. The district shared the announcement with families on Wednesday.
Electric bikes and scooters
The announcement states that students should not ride electric bikes or scooters on school sidewalks or walkways. The devices should also be ridden only by students who understand how to operate them safely and the rules of the road. Bicycles, including e-bikes, must follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, including stopping at stop signs. Students may not charge their bikes or scooters at school.
Helmet recommendation
The district encourages helmet use, saying, “We strongly encourage students to wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. Washington State does not have a statewide law requiring helmets; however, Revised Code of Washington chapter 46.37.530 does require riders to follow applicable local laws, which vary by city and county.
Othello does not have any municipal codes governing the use of helmets, e-bikes, e-scooters, or e-motorcycles. Chief of Police Brent McFarlane says it is something he is working on with the city council. McFarlane recently told Columbia Basin News that their goal is to ensure riders can use these vehicles appropriately and safely while still maintaining their fun.
Electric motorcycles prohibited
Electric motorcycles are prohibited from school campuses according to the district’s release. These devices are typically defined as two-wheeled conveyances without pedals that are capable of higher speeds. It is illegal to operate electric motorcycles in Washington if you are not 16 or older and don’t have a proper motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.
The prohibition includes e-bikes that have been modified to achieve higher speeds.
The district says that non-compliant vehicles on school property may be subject to enforcement by law enforcement.
Risk management
The regulation of electronic bikes and similar devices is largely driven by a desire to keep all students as safe as possible. The district’s insurer also influences it. “Their concerns include the potential for bodily injury to riders and pedestrians, as well as fire risks associated with charging electric ride-on vehicles at school,” said Superintendent Dr. Pete Perez.
The new guidelines may not yet be in their final form. The district’s insurer “is developing additional guidance regarding these devices, which is expected to be released later this year. The District will review that guidance and communicate any additional expectations or changes as appropriate,” said Perez.
Other local districts
Other local school districts are not as far in the guideline development process. Royal School District and Moses Lake School District both said that they do not currently have any policies regulating the use of electric bikes or scooters. Warden and North Franklin school districts did not return our request for information.
