With the rise in the use of electric scooters and electric bicycles there has also been a rise in concern for the children operating micromobility devices and vehicles. One of the most dangerous places to operate e-scooters and e-bikes is the busy Dover City Park which led to Dover council to regulate their use last year.
"Basically, what we're trying to do is avoid a tragedy, and that's the whole gist of it. That's why we did everything that we did last year and asked council to pass the legislation,” Bob Everett, Dover’s safety director, said.
Ordinance 26-25, which amends Dover Codified Ordinance Chapter 951, was approved July 21, 2025, and safety officials have been trying to spread the word ever since.
E-scooters are prohibited in the parks except for operation on Pool Road. Electric bikes may only be operated by a person 16 years or older, but they are prohibited from grass, turf, playgrounds, walking paths and any portion of park property which is not a street or surface designed for motor vehicles to travel upon.
E-scooters and e-bikes are also prohibited from riding through the downtown business district and on other sidewalks and other Dover parks where riding is prohibited. Those using micromobility devices and vehicles are asked to walk their e-scooter or e-bike through prohibited areas.
The ordinance is about accident prevention.
“It's about, 'Let's see who we can save and let's see what tragedy we can avoid by trying to get these young folks to obey the safety rules, obey the law, and be safe,'" Everett said. “Parents can play a real crucial role, making sure our young people understand the rules of the road, follow them, and follow the traffic laws.”
Dover officials want to make a difference before something happens. They’ve seen reckless e-scooter operators and residents have contacted officials about the problem too.
Everett has seen incidents including two young children riding on the same e-scooter without required helmets.
“They're zipping up and down in the park, and they shouldn't be. There's so much traffic in the park, and people are backing out and pulling in,” Everett said.
Drivers may be preoccupied with the activities going on at the park and don’t always see e-scooter riders.
The Dover Police Department is taking preventive measures.
"Within the last six months there have been 17 warnings issued to kids, and some of the officers have started to call parents and tell parents as well,” Everett said. “We don't want to be standing at a microphone, saying, 'I sure wish we would have done this or done that.'"
Dover was one of the first cities locally to introduce legislation on e-scooter safety. Others are now following suit and residents are appreciative.
"A lot of people were very happy that we did something. Everybody saw it as a huge problem, and we took the initiative to do it,” Everett said.
Safety is a two-way street.
"We want to keep your children safe. Please help us — that would be our plea. Parents, please help us keep your children safe. We do not want a tragedy,” Everett said. “We're trying so hard to help parents, but we need them to help us.”
Other equipment added in the past few years to increase safety in the city of Dover are flashing crosswalk lights on West Sixth Street and Tuscarawas Avenue near Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary, and Sixth Street and Wooster Avenue, which is a main crossing used to get to the Dover Public Library and Dover Schools.
Speed display signs on Wooster Avenue have been added to show drivers how fast they are going, and act as a reminder to travel safely.
These tips will be included in the July utility bill for Dover residents, but many can be used by anyone operating an e-scooter or e-bike:
Basic rules of the road and sidewalk
— Always wear a helmet, it’s the law if you are under 18 years of age.
— Only one rider per scooter – no passengers allowed.
— Stop at stop signs and follow traffic laws – no speeds over 20 mph.
— No riding in a business district or on sidewalks where signs prohibit riding.
— Operators must stand on the standing board while operating.
— One hand must be on the steering handlebars are all times.
— Yield to and give audible signals to pedestrians.
— No weaving or zigzagging.
Rules for riding in Dover Parks
— No operation of e-scooters on park property, aside from Pool Road.
— E-bicycles are permitted only on public or private streets inside or adjacent to the park but not on grass, turf, playground, walking paths or other areas that are not a street.
— You must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bicycle in the park.
— The police may stop you and give a warning if they see violations or have safety concerns.
Tips for riding safely
— Have fun but follow the safety rules.
— Don’t be distracted, put your phone away and pay attention.
— Be respectful of others while riding.
— Be courteous to walkers and pedestrians.
— Ask an adult or talk to a police officer if you’re not sure what’s allowed.
