Dear Families:

We are writing today to clarify some information regarding personal transportation devices (e-bikes, e- scooters, hoverboards, etc.) and give you a head’s up regarding some likely policy changes around personal transportation devices that are coming. While nothing is finalized (and will be brought before the Board of Trustees for a vote) we are sharing this information now because we know with the holiday season coming many of you may be considering purchasing such items for your children. Therefore, we wanted to be clear about what the law says, and what the planned policy changes are, before those purchases are potentially made. 

First, all families are strongly encouraged to learn more about the laws regarding different personal transportation devices, and safe practices when using such devices. We have already had one bad accident this year, and several close calls, due to unsafe operation of personal transportation devices. Please read the attached document which will explain the laws and reasoning behind the changes we are making. 

We expect all students and families to know and follow the laws regarding personal transportation devices. Also, all families should be aware that any law enforcement penalties for illegal or unsafe use could have reciprocal impacts at school, just as any illegal activity can. Legal, approved devices can be ridden to campus and parked on site, but should not be ridden on the campus itself.

Pending board approval, the following will no longer be allowed:

• Mattie Washburn, Brooks, Cali Calmecac (Tk-5): e-bikes, e-scooters, solo wheels and hoverboards.

• WMS, Cali Calmecac (6-8): class 3 e-bikes, e-scooters, solo wheels and hoverboards.

  • Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes will be allowed pending an inspection and permitting process to ensure they are the proper class and have not been tampered with. More details of this process will be available after potential board policy adoption. 

• All school sites: Electric dirt bikes and motorcycles will not be allowed on any campus at any time. 

A first reading of new board policy regarding personal transportation devices will happen at this week's board meeting (Thursday, November 20) and will come back as a consent item for final approval at the December board meeting. However, regardless of the timeline for WUSD policies, you should be aware that you and/or your students may already be inadvertently breaking the law regarding the type of device, how/where it is ridden, and the age of the rider. We, as a district, were surprised at the minimum age requirements with regard to some of these personal transportation devices.  

We anticipate adoption and enforcement of the new policy to go into effect in the new year.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Superintendent Jeremy Decker, jdecker@wusd.org. 

Best regards,

Jeremy Decker

Superintendent

Windsor Unified School District