PANAMA CITY — Scooter, moped and motorcycle rental companies will have to brace for some new regulations if county commissioners approve an amendment to a current ordinance.
At Tuesday’s meeting, county commissioners will vote to have a public hearing on considerations to adopt an amendment that regulates rental companies in unincorporated areas of the county. The amendment includes adding $1 million in insurance coverage.
“The fact is the scooters, when (companies) rent them to people it’s more of an amusement than transportation,” said Commissioner Mike Thomas. “Most of the people that are riding these things have never ridden a motorcycle before., which creates more of a liability, which does necessitate the fact that we need to have (insurance) on there.”
Unincorporated areas of the county were not required to have liability insurance on such rentals, Thomas said, and amending the current ordinance would spark that conversation.
The county’s proposed coverage amount is twice what Panama City Beach officials require. Thomas said the county is mirroring its ordinance after the city and expects the city to require companies to raise insurance coverage amounts in the near future.
Companies also will be required to provide free protective head gear, new signage and annual inspections. The amendment also prohibits renting to individuals obviously impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The county meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Bay County Government Center, 840 W. 11th St.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting:
Commissioners are set to renew an ambulance service contract with Lifeguard Ambulance Service.