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In parts of Ohio, it's impossible to drive up to a youth sports practice or large gathering of friends without noticing the pile of e-bikes and scooters where older generations might have left their bicycles in the yard.
But those electrically driven forms of transportation can be even more dangerous than our trusty old bikes (cinder block and plywood ramps notwithstanding).
A couple of Ohio lawmakers have the right idea, then, with state Senate Bill 477, which would ban children 13 and younger from operating the devices, and require all users to wear helmets.
According to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, state Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, has already introduced SB 477, and state Rep. Eric Dynenberg, D-Beachwood expects to introduce his own version in the House soon.
"We are not trying to prevent Ohioans from using e-bikes and e-scooters," Synenberg told the Capital Journal. "Our goal is to make sure that riders understand the rules and risks before they ride, and give motorists, pedestrians, local government, law enforcement, and businesses clear and consistent expectations."
Without tightening of the rules regulating these devices, young children can be hurling themselves down the street in a Class 1 or 2 e-bike (which can go as fast as 20 mph) without wearing a helmet.
That's dangerous to more than just the rider, of course. But the data regarding just how dangerous it is to the rider is frightening. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 40% of all pediatric injuries related to e-bikes and scooters nationwide were children ages 11-14.
"These injuries include brain injuries, fractures, road rash, lung contusions, and injuries to major internal organs," DeMora said.
And some accidents have been fatal.
As DeMora noted, in a lame duck session, all things are possible. Let us hope that when lawmakers return after the election in November, they get to work on this and other legislation that will do better for Ohio kids.