The City of Rye is reminding residents of the rules governing electric scooter use and urging the community to prioritize safety as usage continues to increase. The City said the Rye Police Department will continue to monitor scooter activity and take enforcement action where appropriate, particularly in cases involving unsafe operation or violations of state law.
“And I got in the car to drive over the meeting. And what did I see?,” said Rye Mayor Josh Nathan, discussing scooters at the city council meeting on April 15th. “An electric bicycle with two people who were definitely under the age of 16, two of them sitting on this thing that’s meant for one, nobody in a helmet. And it really was just stunning to me. And they were just zipping down Milton Road, as fast as those things go.”
“I think some parents don’t realize how fast those [scooters] can actually go and makes it inherently much more dangerous,” said Deputy Mayor James Ward at the same council meeting.
Electric scooters are legal under New York State law, but their operation is subject to clear requirements designed to protect both riders and pedestrians. Scooters may only be operated on streets with posted speed limits of 30 mph or less and in designated bike lanes. They are not permitted on sidewalks. Riders must be at least 16 years old, and helmets are required for riders ages 16 and 17. All riders are expected to operate scooters responsibly and at safe speeds. In recent months, concerns related to electric scooter use have been discussed by the council and committees including the Rye Police Advisory Committee and the Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Committee.
“As the weather warms up, we are seeing increased use of electric scooters throughout the City, particularly in our downtown and along busy corridors,” said City Manager Brian Shea. “With that increased use comes a shared responsibility to operate them safely and in accordance with the law. We need the entire community to be part of this effort. Clear expectations, consistent messaging, and responsible behavior will help ensure safety.”
