Will Myrtle Beach, SC restrict e-scooters? Here’s how road laws could change

Myrtle Beach has taken the first step in restricting e-scooter use within city limits.

The Myrtle Beach City Council unanimously passed the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would ban e-scooters on sidewalks and roadways with speed limits above 30 mph, limit e-scooters to speeds of 20 mph, require riders to signal their intentions and more.

The move comes after 15 e-scooter collisions so far this year, according to the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Last year Myrtle Beach had 21 collisions and, in 2023, there were 12 e-scooter collisions.

The proposed ordinance applies to e-scooters and other personal electric devices (PEDs), but not e-bikes, bicycles with helper motors or electric personal assistive mobility devices.

If passed, it will ban e-scooters on sidewalks; city-owned property like parking lots and parks, unless otherwise designated; and on roadways with speed limits above 30 mph, except at crosswalks.

E-scooter riders would be required to stay as near to the side of the road as possible and use bike lanes when available. Per the ordinance, “a PED may be ridden in a lane other than the right-hand lane only if one lane is available that permits the PED to continue on the intended route.” Although e-scooters are permitted on the shoulder, riders wouldn’t be forced to drive on them.

The new ordinance also requires e-scooter riders to yield to pedestrians and bans going more than 20 mph, holding mobile electronic devices and operating a scooter with more people than the PED was designed to carry.

Between sunset and sunrise, e-scooters and other PEDs would need a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.

Most violations of the proposed ordinance will be subject to a fine of $100.00 and/or up to 30 days’ imprisonment, but the legislation lays out lighter penalties for signal infractions.

Unless the rider needs their hand to control the scooter, the new ordinance would require e-scooter riders to signal with their arms to indicate they’re turning, slowing or stopping. Under the proposed legislation, violators would face $25 fines.

The ordinance will still need council approval at a second reading to become law. If it passes again, the new e-scooter regulations will go into effect immediately upon adoption.