Haverford Township now has an ordinance requiring children under 16 to wear helmets on e-bikes or electric scooters, writes Shawnette Wilson for Fox 29 Philadelphia.
A final unanimous vote authorizing the new ordinance was taken Sept. 8 after a second reading.
Townships in Delaware County have been experiencing a series of crashes that involve e-bikes and e-scooters.
In June, a young girl from Ridley Township was killed in an e-scooter accident, and her friend was critically injured.
Residents have shown support for the helmet requirement.
.”A lot of the times I see kids on the bikes or like e-bikes and just skiing down slopes really fast with no helmet or any precautions, so I think it should at least be enforced some way,” said Nathan Tinke.
The ordinance is being introduced with a warning phase in January, with violators receiving warning notices.
After January, the police officer will have the discretion to issue a $25 fine for non-compliance.
Police will continue to encourage helmet use by giving out cupcake and ice cream coupons to kids they spot wearing helmets, said Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola.
Read more about Haverford’s new helmet ordinance for e-bikes and e-scooters at Fox 29 Philadelphia.
