PCB adopts new rules for scooter rentals

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The Panama City Beach Council adopted a new ordinance Thursday that will tack on some new safety regulations for companies renting scooters.

Despite pushback from business owners, the council voted unanimously to approve the new regulations, which will require companies to make customers wear a reflective safety vest and carry a signed safety brochure while riding. It will also require companies to outfit each scooter with a flag for better visibility.

Anyone caught not wearing the vest or without the safety brochure could be fined between $100 and $500, a civil citation that would be tried in civil court if not paid.

The council eliminated a handful of provisions from the ordinance at a previous meeting, including the insurance requirement, helmet mandate and customer training area.

With close to 1,000 scooters up for rent on the beach, Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman said the intention of the new rules is help keep riders safe.

“We’re hoping with the vests and flags we’ll see less accidents,” Whitman said.

Olesea Siriteanu, owner of the Front Beach Road scooter rental business Hangout by the Sea, said that while she was in favor of improving safety, the requirements seemed burdensome.

“I’m for safety, but it seems like vests and flags are too much,” Siriteanu said.  

Rick Roof of California Cycles asked the council if there was any room to waive the vest requirement for customers over the age of 25 and others renting the low-riding “scoot coupes,” which Whitman agreed to look into.

“I have been here for 28 years, and in that 28 years, we’ve never had anyone renting our scooters get killed or have brain damage,” Roof said. “As long as it’s a safety thing… I guess it’s just something we’ll have to adjust ourselves and make it happen.”

Enforcement of the ordinance will begin in 30 days, but the council deferred the flag requirement until Sept. 1 to allow companies more time to outfit their fleet.