An important safety and legal matter concerning the use of shared electric bikes
Please be aware that most shared mobility services, including Lime, are legally restricted to users who are 18 years of age or older.
Despite this, we have observed a number of students using these vehicles, often without helmets and in ways that pose serious safety risks. Key Legal and Safety Considerations:
1. Age Restriction: Companies like Lime require all users to be at least 18 years old to use their services. Allowing or enabling minors to use these services may result in a breach of terms and could carry legal implications for the account holder.
2. Parental Responsibility: If a minor uses an adult’s account or rides a vehicle under someone else's name, the adult account holder may be held liable in the event of an accident or injury. This can include financial liability, especially if the minor causes damage or harm.
3. Safety Concerns: These bikes and scooters are motorised and often travel at speeds that can be dangerous without proper supervision and safety gear. Helmet use is strongly encouraged (and often legally required), but many students are seen riding without protection.
4. School Policy: For the safety of our students and community, we strongly discourage the use of shared e-bikes and scooters by students under the legal age. Students found using them during school hours or in school uniform may be subject to disciplinary action under our code of conduct.
5. Users are generally not allowed to ride on the pavement and should use designated cycle lanes or roads.
We kindly ask all parents and guardians to:
• Speak with your children about the legal restrictions and safety risks associated with these services.
• Monitor their use of transportation apps and ensure that your accounts are not being misused.
• Reinforce safe, legal, and age-appropriate transportation choices for school and after-school activities.
It should be noted that we do support safe cycling to school, but with correct bikes and equipment to ensure your child is safe. We also have the in-school appropriate bike sheds where these bikes can be stored.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep our students safe and informed.
