Concerned about close calls involving motorized scooters and underage drivers, the Alpena Town Board invited the Jerauld County Sheriff's Office to last Wednesday's meeting to explain South Dakota law and answer questions from residents about the growing safety issue.
Mayor Jeff Kelsey said the discussion was prompted by repeated concerns from community members about scooters darting into streets and intersections.
'We've had several concerns about scooters in town because they're so quick and small,' Kelsey said. 'It's a concern for safety more than anything.'
Kelsey stressed the town is not looking to immediately issue citations but instead wants to educate the public before a serious accident occurs.
'I don't want to be the mayor of this town and have somebody get hurt, or even worse,' he said.
Sheriff Jason Weber echoed that message, saying the goal is prevention rather than enforcement.
'We're not trying to write tickets, and we're not trying to ruin anybody's fun,' Weber told those attending the meeting. 'Our goal is to make a safer community.'
Weber added that area law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs who have responded to incidents involving juveniles understand how difficult those calls can be. He said the purpose of the discussion was to prevent Alpena from having to experience an incident as juvenile scooter use has increased.
'None of us want to see anybody get hurt,' Weber said.
Deputy Paul Sheldon outlined state laws governing scooters, golf carts, bicycles and other motorized vehicles.
He explained that any vehicle powered by a motor, including electric scooters, is considered a motor vehicle when operated on a public roadway. Because of that designation, operators must possess a valid driver's license. In South Dakota, individuals cannot obtain a driver's license until age 14.
Sheldon said the requirement applies anywhere considered a public highway under state law, including city streets and alleys.
While scooters may be ridden on sidewalks, riders must stop before entering a crosswalk or crossing a roadway. Sheldon said deputies have frequently observed children riding at high speeds through intersections without stopping, creating dangerous situations for both motorists and pedestrians.
The deputy also reviewed regulations for golf carts, mopeds, e-bikes and bicycles. Licensed drivers may operate properly equipped golf carts on Alpena streets, while mopeds require at least a Class 1 driver's license. E-bikes and bicycles are also subject to state traffic laws, including stopping before entering crosswalks and following pedestrian rules when using sidewalks.
Sheldon said the sheriff's office hopes education will resolve the issue but warned that parents or guardians could be cited if they knowingly allow underage children to operate motorized vehicles on public roads.
'It would be our opinion that it's not a child's fault if they're given an electric scooter or a toy and told to go out and drive,' Sheldon said. 'We expect parents or guardians to take that responsibility.'
Weber closed the discussion by commending Kelsey and the town board for taking a proactive approach and inviting law enforcement to educate residents before enforcement becomes necessary.
Handouts outlining the laws presented at the meeting were also provided to attendees.