By Timothy Loftus, Sergeant Bluff ADVOCATE Publisher
(SBA) - A growing trend among local youth is raising serious safety concerns in Sergeant Bluff. Small electric scooters, often ridden at high speeds and without proper safety gear, are becoming a common sight on sidewalks and streets. While these scooters offer convenience and fun, they also pose real dangers—especially when used irresponsibly or without visibility enhancements.
Last week, around 11 p.m., I was driving through the Bluff Stop/Circle S parking lot, preparing to turn onto 1st Street. Traffic was unusually heavy for that hour, and visibility was limited. Just as I approached the sidewalk section that crosses the lot’s exit, a child on a dark black electric scooter came flying down the sidewalk at full throttle. He was wearing dark clothing and had no lights on the scooter. I didn’t see him until he was nearly in front of my vehicle—only my peripheral vision and quick reaction allowed me to stop in time. The child didn’t slow down or seem aware of the danger.
Had I not seen him at the last moment, the outcome could have been tragic. A collision—even at the slow speed I was moving—could have seriously injured or even killed the child. The trauma wouldn’t have ended there. It would have devastated his family and left me carrying the guilt of causing such harm. The sad reality is that even the Sergeant Bluff Police and Sergeant Bluff Fire and Rescue personnel would likely be affected, as they may personally know the child and the family involved. It’s a scenario no parent, driver, police officer, or paramedic wants to imagine—and one that could easily be prevented with basic safety measures.
Parents need to have serious conversations with their children about the responsibilities that come with riding electric scooters. These are not toys—they are motorized vehicles capable of high speeds and should be treated as such. At a minimum, children should wear helmets and ensure their scooters are equipped with lights, especially when riding at night. Reflective clothing or accessories can also make a significant difference in visibility.
Drivers, too, must remain vigilant. With more children using scooters, intersections and parking lot exits have become unpredictable. It’s crucial to slow down, scan sidewalks and crosswalks, and anticipate sudden movements from young riders who may not fully grasp the risks.
This incident highlights a growing issue that may require action from the City of Sergeant Bluff and the Sergeant Bluff Police Department. The issue has already been discussed in several city council meetings, with officials exploring solutions to the growing safety problem. A new city ordinance could help address the situation—especially if parents don’t take action to educate their children. Kids need to understand that when large moving objects like a car or truck impact a small object, the damage to a child’s body can be catastrophic, even at low speeds.
Perhaps the city should require all electric scooters operated by minors to have functioning lights and helmets, and impose fines on parents if these basic safety standards aren’t met.
Electric scooters aren’t going away, but with community awareness, responsible parenting, and proactive city policies, we can help ensure they don’t become a source of tragedy in Sergeant Bluff.
