Our community was left heartbroken when we lost a promising 9-year-old in a preventable e-scooter incident. This tragic accident was not an isolated one, as several children in our area have been injured this year alone in similar crashes. As a parent and neighbor in Loudoun County, I have witnessed firsthand how quickly a seemingly fun ride can turn into a life-changing emergency. I refuse to stand by and watch more families in our community experience such devastating losses.

Children under 16 are not yet equipped with the physical and cognitive skills necessary to safely handle motorized e-bikes and e-scooters. The growing prevalence of these devices in our neighborhoods has led to an alarming number of serious injuries and tragic fatalities. In 2022 alone, the United States reported over 50,000 cases of emergency room visits due to e-scooter incidents, of which a significant percentage involved young riders.

Loudoun County parents are calling for urgent measures to protect our children. We urge the local government to enforce a ban on the use of motorized e-bikes and e-scooters for anyone under the age of 16. This preventive action will significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and loss of life among our youth. Similar measures have been successfully implemented in other regions, leading to a measurable decrease in accidents involving minors.

Our children’s safety should always be a top priority. By restricting access to these potentially dangerous devices, we are safeguarding our future and preventing needless tragedies. It's an actionable and realistic step we can take to protect young lives in our community.

I implore you to join us in advocating for this vital change. Let us come together to ensure a safe environment for all children in Loudoun County. Please sign this petition and urge our leaders to take decisive action now to ban motorized e-bikes and e-scooters for kids under 16.