The Village of Beecher board cleared up some of its rules and regulations involving low-speed electric scooters.
At the August 25 meeting, held for the first time in the Community Room at the new Beecher Public Safety Facility, the board made its rules known.
The biggest point of emphasis is that riders must be at least 18 years old. But the penalty will not be as severe as the state mandates.
A first offense will be a $25 fine. A second is $100. A third is $150, and a fourth balloons to $250.
“If we charge a kid now, it’s a $152 fine, and they lose their license until they are 21, because basically it’s a motor vehicle,” Beecher Police Chief Terrence Lemming said. “With this ordinance, the ticket is $25 or $50 but is adjudicable.”
Low-speed electric scooters are defined as a device weighing less than 100 pounds, with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding and powered by an electric motor.
These scooters may be operated on public roads with a posted speed limit of 35-mph or less, as well as sidewalks, trails, bicycle paths, and designated paths within the village, except where prohibited by signage.
They are not allowed on state highways.
The scooter must be equipped with brakes and, at night, it requires a front light visible for at least 500 feet plus a red reflector visible from at least 100 feet.
Those riding the scooters will not be allowed to carry packages or anything else that would prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
No more than one person will be able to ride the scooters, and sirens are not allowed, unless it is a police or fire department vehicle.
Brush collection changes
Brush collection changes are in store.
The village is having its attorneys draw up an amendment to the dates of brush collection.
From April through September, beginning at 7 a.m. every week, brush will be collected on Tuesdays. From October through March, brush will only be collected in the event a storm damages trees.
Previously, collection occurred on Mondays.
Agreement for Mitchell
Village Administrator Charity Mitchell was offered an agreement through April 30, 2029.
She has served in that capacity with the village since 2023.
Now our Police Dept needs to enforce this rule. Dont ignore these young kids from riding these scooters.