Maryland City Requiring Helmets for Rental Scooter Riders

Officials in Ocean City, Maryland are hoping to cut down on serious injuries to visitors who rent mopeds or motorized scooters.

The Town Council has passed a law requiring helmets and shoes to be worn by anyone renting the devices. The law also requires rental businesses to clearly identify scooters as rentals. It took effect immediately.

Resort officials say they’ve seen more scooter accidents this year than in recent memory. Council members say they’d like to see every scooter driver wearing a helmet, but the law doesn’t cover people driving scooters they own.