E-Scooter Safety: Ride Smart

As electric scooters become more popular among CCSD students, we want to ensure everyone is aware of the official definition and basic requirements for these devices. This helps us maintain safety and consistency on campus and in our community.

An electric scooter is defined as a device that:

1. Has handlebars and an electric motor

2. Is designed to be ridden standing upright or seated

3. Can be powered by its electric motor or by the rider pushing/propelling

4. It must weigh no more than 100 pounds without a rider.

5. It must have a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour when using only the electric motor.

While e-scooters are a convenient and fun way for students to get around, they do come with important safety risks. Because they can accelerate quickly, riders may lose control—especially on uneven pavement, gravel, or when making sudden turns. Many crashes happen when riders brake too late or don’t anticipate obstacles, leading to falls or collisions with cars, curbs, or pedestrians. E-scooters also have small wheels that can catch easily on cracks or bumps, increasing the chance of being thrown off balance.

Injuries most commonly include scrapes, sprains, and broken wrists from falls, but more serious head injuries can occur when riders aren’t wearing helmets. Riding at night or without proper lights and reflectors increases the risk of not being seen by drivers. And because many students ride without much experience, they may underestimate stopping distance, overestimate their ability to maneuver at higher speeds, or ride in areas with traffic they aren’t prepared for. With the right gear, supervision, and safe riding habits, many of these risks can be reduced.

Although it may seem harmless and fun, riding a scooter designed for one person with two riders significantly increases the risk of accidents. The extra weight makes the scooter harder to balance and control, especially when turning or braking, and greatly increases stopping distance. Scooters are not built to support the added load, which can strain the motor or even damage the frame and deck. With limited space for proper foot placement, sudden shifts in balance are common, leading to falls that can be more severe for both riders. For everyone’s safety, single-rider scooters should always be used as intended—with one rider at a time.

E-scooters are generally heavier than traditional scooters, and that extra weight affects how quickly they can stop. With more mass, an e-scooter carries greater momentum when moving, which means the brakes need more time and distance to bring it to a complete halt. This is especially noticeable at higher speeds or on surfaces that are not ideal for riding, where stopping distances increase even further. Road conditions, tire grip, and rider reaction time also play a role, but the added weight alone makes sudden stops more difficult. As a result, riders need to allow extra space, anticipate obstacles earlier, and brake more gradually to maintain safe control.

An e-scooter going 20 mph needs 50-60 feet to come to a complete stop.

Moped vs. E-Scooter: What’s the Difference?

As more students explore different ways to get to school, families often ask about the difference between mopeds and e-scooters. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose what’s safest and most practical for your child.

Mopeds
Mopeds are more like small motorbikes—faster, heavier, and designed for street travel. They typically require a driver’s license, registration, and insurance, making them better suited for adults. While they’re great for longer distances, they cost more, need more maintenance, and are harder to stop due to them being so heavy

E-Scooters
E-scooters are lighter, slower, and easy to fold or store, making them ideal for short rides to school or around the neighborhood. In most areas they don’t require a license or registration, and they tend to be more affordable and simpler to care for.

Standard commuter scooters - Travel around 12–20 mph and are meant for short urban trips, giving them a medium risk level for kids.

Kids’ e-scooters - Top out around 6–10 mph and are designed specifically for young riders and present the lowest overall risk.

High-speed performance scooters - Reach 30–50+ mph and are intended only for experienced adults, making them extremely dangerous for children.

Off-road scooters - Built for trails and uneven terrain at 15–30 mph, also carry a high risk.

Shared or rental scooters - Typically limited to 12–15 mph and are designed for adult riders and pose a medium-to-high risk for kids.

Seated scooters - Travel 10–25 mph and offer comfort but still carry a medium-to-high risk due to their speed and weight.

Three-wheel scooters - Range from 6–15 mph and provide more stability and are better suited for beginners and come with a low-to-medium risk level.

Long-range or Touring scooters - Built for longer distances at 20–30 mph, present a medium-to-high risk for younger riders due to their speed and size.

Even though Nevada does not currently impose a statewide minimum age for privately owned e-scooters, choosing a scooter that aligns with your child’s physical size and coordination is crucial for safety. Many kid-friendly e-scooters are built for children ages 8–12, while most full-size or higher-speed models are recommended for ages 12+ or 14+. Checking the manufacturer’s guidelines helps ensure your child is using a scooter designed for their age, strength, and ability.

Equally important is assessing your child’s physical readiness and safety habits. Make sure they can comfortably reach and operate the brakes, maintain balance, and stop or turn safely at the scooter’s top speed. Begin with a slow practice ride in a safe, open space such as an empty parking lot or park to help them build confidence and skill. Encourage consistent helmet use, protective gear, sensible speeds, and basic riding rules. Building these habits early helps students enjoy the freedom of an e-scooter while staying safe.

Here are a few key reminders:

• Wear a helmet every ride to protect against head injuries.

• Ride in bike lanes or low-traffic areas—avoid busy streets.

• Stay alert: no phones, earbuds, or distractions.

• Watch for hazards such as potholes, gravel, and cracks.

• Be careful at intersections and driveways—stop, look, and make eye contact with drivers.

• Ride one person at a time for better balance and control.

• Practice first in a safe area to learn stopping, turning, and braking.

• Check the scooter before riding to ensure brakes and parts are working properly.

These simple steps can help keep kids safe while still enjoying the convenience and fun of e-scooters.

While e-scooters can be a fun and efficient mode of transportation, they may not be the safest option for younger children, especially those who lack the strength, coordination, or judgment to safely operate the scooter at higher speeds. Even for older children or teens, it’s crucial that they ride responsibly and wear proper safety gear, including a helmet. Always assess a child's maturity and riding experience before allowing them to ride an e-scooter.

It’s important to remember that children have nowhere near the strength or mass of an adult. While many manufacturers account for this, it’s essential that you choose a model suitable for both the weight and height of your child.

* Taking turns with vehicles at intersections after coming to a complete stop

* Riding predictably WITH the flow of traffic and does not weave in and out of vehicles

* Riding outside of a door zone of parked vehicles (at least 3 feet away)

* Using hand signals for turning right, left, stopping, and scans before merging onto roads and changing lanes

* Obeying posted speeds on pathways and giving the right of way

* Knowing how to stop abruptly and dodge obstacles without swerving into vehicle lanes

Keeping an e-scooter in good shape helps ensure your child’s rides to and from school stay safe, smooth, and worry-free. A little regular maintenance goes a long way—here are some simple tips families can follow.

Tires

• Check air pressure on inflatable tires once a week to help prevent flats.

• For solid tires, take a quick look at the tread—if it’s worn down, it’s time to replace.

Bolts & Fasteners

• Scooters vibrate a lot, which can loosen screws over time.

• About once a month check wheel nuts, brake and suspension bolts, and the folding latch.

Brakes

• Have your child test the brakes before every ride.

• Check that brake pads aren’t worn down and that cables feel tight.

• Wipe any dirt or debris off the brake discs.

Battery Care

• Charge the scooter after each use.

• Avoid charging the battery indoors or unattended.

• Avoid leaving the scooter in very cold temperatures.

• Using “eco mode” whenever possible helps extend battery life.

Cleaning

• A simple wipe with a damp cloth after rides keeps things looking good.

• Avoid soaking the scooter—especially the electrical components.

• If rinsing, cover any exposed electronics.

Wiring & Electronics

• Look for any frayed wires or signs of corrosion.

• Make sure plugs and connectors are firmly seated.

• Double-check that lights are working—especially for early morning or evening rides.

Lubrication

• Add silicone lubricant to moving parts like the steering stem.

• Keep lubricants far away from brake pads to avoid reducing braking power.

The Clark County School District Police Department (CCSDPD) Traffic Bureau is committed to traffic safety and positive engagement within school zones and the surrounding roadways. By maintaining a visible presence and increasing patrols, officers can directly contribute to safer streets for students, parents, staff, and the broader community.

Website link as: https://ccsd.net/departments/police-services/traffic

Email: traffic@nv.ccsd.net

24/7 dispatch @ 702.799.5411