The apparent increase in the numbers of electric scooters and bikes in Hughesville emerged as a point of discussion during the most recent borough council meeting.

Mayor Richard Smith told council an ordinance is needed to govern their use in the community.

During a short discussion, municipal officials seemed to agree that E-scooters and E-bikes in some cases are posing some issues.

“There are a lot of them,” Borough Councilman Dan Cale said. “There are a lot of little kids riding them.”

Councilman Todd McCowan said it’s apparent there are many E-scooters and E-bikes in the borough, some being operated without lights at night.

Without citing specifics, Police Chief Rod Smith said, “It’s starting to be a problem, and someone is going to get hurt.”

State law prohibits e-scooters from being driven on public streets.

Smith said perhaps an ordinance can be put together mimicking Hughesville’s skateboard ordinance.

In the meantime, he said he wants to reach out to the East Lycoming School District about the issue.

The mayor had the following statement posted on the Hughesville Borough Facebook site Sept. 8:

“Did you know that Electric Scooters are illegal to ride on Borough streets? Did you know the minimum age is 16 to ride an E-bike?

“The use of scooters has exploded this summer, and are becoming a hazard on our streets.

“This was discussed at the council meeting tonight, we decided that we need to make people aware of the laws governing the use of E-Scooters and bikes before the Police start to crack down on the use of scooters. We are also going to enact a borough ordinance to allow the Police to enforce lesser penalties instead of using the motor vehicle code, Mayor Richard Smith.”

In other matters, Council President Andrew Mook said notices of codes violations were issued to property owners in the downtown.

The three empty storefronts along Main Street just north of Water Street were brought to the attention of council most recently by Greater Hughesville Business Association Robin Landgrebe.

Several council members agreed to meet with Hughesville Vol. Fire Chief Dan Dorman later in the month to discuss a multi-municipal alliance for ambulance service.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at the municipal building, 147 S. Fifth St., Hughesville.