The Boulder City Police Department (BCPD) reports there have been recent accidents involving children and vehicles. To help prevent injuries and worse, they have teamed up with Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) to create a helpful webpage (HERE) designed to assist parents in understanding what is legal and what isn’t. There are also a bunch of safety tips to reduce the likelihood of injuries. Here are some highlights:
For self-propelled devices like hoverboards, skateboards, skates, and self-propelled scooters, they offer the following tips:
- Never ride in the street.
- Use caution on sidewalks where permitted (note that some areas are off-limits, like downtown). Be aware of your surroundings: stop at all intersections and watch for other people and traffic nearby.
- There is no age requirement, but adult supervision is suggested for children 12 and under.
- These items typically travel between five and 12 mph.
- Wear proper safety gear, a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads.
- More than 230,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries while skateboarding, using scooters or hoverboards in 2022 alone.
For bikes and e-bikes, there are additional considerations that parents should be aware of. For example, e-bikes come in three classes:
- Class 1: the motor assists when peddling and shuts down at 20 miles an hour.
- Class 2: the most common E bike. It can operate with the electric motor only or may do pedal assist. The motor shuts down at 20 miles an hour.
- Class 3: can only use the motor assist peddling and shuts down at 28 miles an hour.
Moped and e-moped users have to be at least sixteen years old and possess a valid driver license. Registration and insurance are necessary. The State of Nevada has additional rules for moped users which can be found HERE.
Motorcycles and e-motorcycles require a Motorcycle Driver License (Class M). Registration and insurance are necessary. The State of Nevada rules for motorcyclists can be found HERE.
Vehicle drivers are encouraged to take extra precautions this summer while school is out. Be on the lookout for young people, especially near parks and in residential areas. Let’s have a safe and happy summer!
