SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) — You might have seen an increased presence of these around town recently. While some people refer to them as unicycles, others know them as electric wheels. A viewer named Stephen informed us about spotting one in Ozark.
The electric unicycle zoomed past us on our left amid the evening rush hour. It had neither license plates nor any identification marks—was this allowed?
Rally car drivers can let loose on the off-road tracks in northern Arkansas at the
Amped Electric Games.
However, not everybody takes their vehicles off-road. On the roads, you operate under a distinct set of regulations.
“A significant portion of the guidance provided to motorcycle riders is also applicable to electric unicycle riders,” said Seth Johnson from the Amped Electric Games. “Specifically, assume you can’t be seen.”
The City of Ozark notified us that they do not have specific regulations for electric unicycles, nor does the State of Missouri. As such, this issue apparently falls into a gray area when it comes to legal enforcement.
“There isn’t a particular law addressing these one-wheel devices,” states Grant Rahmeyer.
Rah Law
.
Attorney Rahmeyer thinks that e-wheel scooters should adhere to the same regulations as regular bicycle riders.
electric bicycle rider
Therefore, avoid using main highways or the interstate.
“They’re not allowed to be on there because of the speed differences, as they impede traffic and make safety issues. Definitely for the person on the one wheel, but for everybody else as well, ” explained Rahmeyer.
If you have one, understand that every police officer or department might apply the law somewhat uniquely.
“Suppose I’m on a street in Ozark or Nixa, and you arrive behind me; what occurs next? Would I receive a citation?” questioned Paul Adler.
“We’re going to ask you to leave the roadway,” clarified Mike McClure from the
Missouri State Highway Patrol
.
Ozark offered this advice:
*Stay to the right side of the road when riding unless you plan to make a left-hand turn.
*Obey traffic laws
* Wear vibrant or reflective attire
*Utilize a forward-directed lamp and a backward-facing red reflector
*Make sure to wear the personal protective gear.
We generally advise customers who buy a wheel to always use their full protective gear,” said Johnson. “This means wearing a helmet, wrist guards, and knee pads.” He added, “If anyone has questions, feel free to ask us—we’re quite friendly as a community. We’re passionate about our hobby and sport, and we enjoy sharing information with others. Therefore, if you spot someone cruising on an electric bike, be sure to greet them with a wave or a thumbs-up.
The city of Ozark has announced, incorporating all latest developments, that both the City of Ozark and the Ozark Police Department will keep assessing whether new regulations are necessary to guarantee safe streets for residents and guests alike.
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Here is the statement from the City of Ozark:
The City of Ozark and the State of Missouri do not have clear regulations regarding the electric unicycle shown in the image provided. As such, this issue falls into an ambiguous zone within legal guidelines.
As a community, Ozark supports multiple modes of transportation and regularly monitors new types of transit emerging throughout the city. We aim to integrate these different transport options safely.
In RSMo sections 307.205 through 307.211, regulations for Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices and their operators are outlined; nonetheless, your observation doesn’t fit because a unicycle has just one wheel. According to the City of Ozark Code under section 340.100, such an electronic device cannot be used on sidewalks. Therefore, using the roadways becomes the sole permissible option when navigating through Ozark’s streets.
With the ongoing development of personal transportation tech and the introduction of new devices, we urge operators to exercise additional care since these might lead to misunderstandings, concerns, or distractions among fellow road users who aren’t acquainted with them. Sometimes, innovative transport solutions appear prior to states and cities updating their regulations accordingly. For all those handling such equipment, please adhere to the following traffic rules:
-Stay to the right side of the road when riding unless you’re preparing for a left-hand turn.
-Obey traffic laws
-Wear personal protection equipment
-Opt for brightly colored or reflective garments
-Equip front-facing lamp
-Equip rear-facing red reflector
As new trends emerge, the City of Ozark along with the Ozark Police Department will keep assessing whether ordinances should be implemented to guarantee safe streets for both residents and guests.
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