Among items discussed during Monday’s meeting was the increase in community use of “micro-mobility” in the form of e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.

Warren resident John Lewis took to the podium to grieve the use of these modes of transport on the sidewalks and roads, particularly during the increased traffic times of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lewis cited video footage captured by the 24/7 live feed camera of the city roundabout that he said shows riders traveling on sidewalks at speeds similar to vehicles on the road, traveling against traffic patterns and crossing where there are no intersections.

“This is not a criticism,” Lewis said as he asked the city to make improvements to the rules of the road regarding e-mobility that includes new signs.

Andy Georgakis from the Warren Cycle Shop told council members that there are issues surrounding the use of e-mobility in the community, saying more should be done to educate the community on the laws and safety. Joe Sproveri, Warren police chief, discussed the different zones of the city explaining that there are different regulations for different areas within the city. For instance, there is no use of mobile transportation permitted on the sidewalks of the business district. Sproveri also iterated that there have been no “reportable” incidents received by the department in regards to e-mobility issues.

Joe Sproveri, Warren police chief, explains the city's zones and how they affect the use of micromobility devices. Pink being the downtown business district zone. Also pictured helping to hold the map is John Lewis.

From the suggestion of citywide bans to increased signage and education, the discussion will likely continue. Deferring at this time to Sproveri, council member Wendy McCain said she thought it best to not be “too reactive” with regards to implementing any changes.

Sproveri concluded by saying the department would stick with the City Code, enforce infractions and look into legislature at the state level offering a “happy medium.”

It’s “our best bet (right) now,” Sproveri said.