In an effort to address the growing number of collisions and close calls involving underage riders of e-bikes and e-scooters on school property, the Bend-La Pine School Board has approved a rule change. Starting from April 8, students under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to ride these electric vehicles on school grounds. Repeat violations could result in the e-bike or e-scooter being confiscated for parents or guardians to pick up.

Superintendent Steven Cook expressed concern about the safety of riders and pedestrians who share sidewalks and pathways. He emphasized the need for stronger measures to promote the well-being of everyone involved. The decision to enforce this policy comes after the alarming increase in underage riders bringing e-bikes and e-scooters to school, despite reminders that state law prohibits those under 16 from operating them.

The policy change was not solely influenced by recent legislation known as Trenton's Law, named after Trenton Burger, a Bend teenager tragically killed in an e-bike crash. Although legislation introduced updates to e-bike definitions, it did not alter the laws pertaining to e-bike operation and legal age limits. However, lawmakers intend to seek further changes in future sessions to enhance safety.

The school district has been working on this policy change for several months, prompted by a surge in students riding e-bikes to school. Initially, the district communicated with families asking that younger students refrain from riding e-bikes, but did not take additional measures such as confiscation. Feedback from the community pushed the district to re-evaluate its administrative rules, resulting in the introduction of this new policy.

To allow families time to make alternative transportation arrangements, enforcement of the policy will commence after the spring break. The schools will display new signs to remind everyone of the rules, and administrators will be present to educate students and parents about the new regulations.

By implementing this rule, the Bend-La Pine School District aims to ensure the safety of its students and promote responsible e-bike and e-scooter usage. Together with the support of parents and guardians, the district hopes students will explore other safe and legal transportation options to and from school.

The e-bike and e-scooter industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization and the demand for eco-friendly transportation alternatives. These electric vehicles offer a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, particularly for short distances. However, their popularity has also led to safety concerns, especially when it comes to underage riders.

Market forecasts indicate that the e-bike and e-scooter market will continue to expand in the coming years. According to a report from Market Research Future, the global e-bike market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.89% from 2019 to 2024. Similarly, a study by Grand View Research projects that the global e-scooter market will witness a CAGR of 8.5% from 2020 to 2027.

Despite the promising growth prospects, the industry faces various challenges. One of the main issues is ensuring the safety of riders and pedestrians, especially in crowded urban areas and school zones. Incidents involving underage riders have raised concerns about the enforcement of age restrictions and the need for stricter regulations.

In response to these concerns, the Bend-La Pine School Board has taken a proactive approach by prohibiting students under the age of 16 from riding e-bikes and e-scooters on school grounds. This decision aims to address the growing number of collisions and close calls involving underage riders, as well as promote the well-being of all individuals sharing sidewalks and pathways.

The policy change is not only a response to local incidents but also aligns with existing state laws. Despite reminders that state law prohibits those under 16 from operating e-bikes and e-scooters, there has been an alarming increase in underage riders bringing these vehicles to school. The school district's decision to enforce this policy demonstrates its commitment to enforcing existing laws and ensuring the safety of its students.

While legislation such as Trenton's Law has brought attention to the issue of e-bike safety, it has not directly impacted the operation of e-bikes or the legal age limits. Lawmakers, however, are looking to make further changes in future sessions to enhance safety and address the concerns surrounding underage riders.

The policy change by the Bend-La Pine School District comes after months of consideration and community feedback. The district initially communicated with families asking younger students to refrain from riding e-bikes, but the surge in students doing so prompted the need for stronger measures. The introduction of this new policy, which includes potential confiscation of e-bikes or e-scooters for repeat violations, aims to ensure compliance and prioritize the safety of all individuals on school grounds.

Enforcement of the policy will begin after the spring break to allow families time to make alternative transportation arrangements. The schools will display new signs to remind everyone of the rules, and administrators will be present to educate students and parents about the new regulations. By implementing this rule, the Bend-La Pine School District not only aims to ensure the safety of its students but also hopes to encourage the exploration of other safe and legal transportation options to and from school.

For more information about the e-bike and e-scooter industry, market forecasts, and related issues, you can visit reputable sources such as:

- Market Research Future: E-Bike Market- Grand View Research: E-Scooter Market