Perhaps you have noticed as well teens quickly riding on busy streets on e-bikes / scooters, often without helmets and not obeying standard traffic rules/protocols. This action is dangerous for them and those around them. As a high schooler myself, I can clearly see the danger this poses to my local and other communities.

Unfortunately, recently in Fairfax County where I live, a preventable tragedy struck when a 10-year-old boy lost his life in an accident involving an electric scooter.  Nonetheless, our community continues to witness a distressing trend: children as young as 12 weaving through traffic on electric e-bikes and scooters, often without helmets and disregarding essential traffic laws, even riding in the middle of a busy street like a motorcycle. These vehicles, which travel up to 20-28 miles per hour, are meant to offer convenience and eco-friendly transportation solutions, yet have instead become a source of danger.

The danger is real and escalating. Electric e-bikes and scooters can reach high speeds, making them perilous when operated by untrained or unsupervised young riders. Multiple accidents have already occurred, some resulting in serious injuries, and sadly, fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, improper and reckless use of these vehicles has significant potential to cause injury and death, especially among younger age groups who may not fully comprehend the risks involved.

We are urging Virginia authorities and those in government to implement stricter regulations on the use of electric e-bikes and scooters on public roads, particularly concerning age restrictions and traffic education. Here are some proposed measures we believe can make a difference:

1. **Age Restrictions**: Introduce a minimum age requirement of 16 years for operating electric scooters and e-bikes, aligning with driving safety regulations, and only permit one person on one scooter/bike.
2. **Mandatory Safety Gear**: Enforce the mandatory use of helmets, safety gear for all riders, and covered shoes, regardless of age. (Note: this is already required for traditional bicycles that travel at slower speeds.)
3. **Traffic Education Programs**: Increase bike and e-bike road safety training material and educational programs at local community centers and through county Parks and Recreation.  Programs would be especially for young riders and focused on the rules of the road and the safe operation of these vehicles. Also consider using the Virginia public schools as a resource to educate kids on traffic safety laws.
4. **Enhanced Enforcement**: Allocate resources for regular monitoring and law enforcement to ensure compliance with these new regulations, and make sure the public roads are monitored to prevent these dangerous accidents. Consider using excess funding from red light/school zone infractions to fund measures to enforce monitoring of the ebikes/scooters, as these are equally as dangerous. Consider more infrastructure on roads to enable the riders to ride safely.

By adopting these changes, we can foster a safer environment for everyone. Children and families in our counties deserve to enjoy the freedom these technologies offer without compromising their safety. Let's act before another tragic loss occurs.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action from Virginia authorities to protect our community and ensure the responsible use of electric e-bikes and scooters.