GRPD Issues Warning Over Viral ‘Teen Scooter Takeover’ Trend

If you feel like we just talked about the Grand Rapids teen curfew rules, we kind of did. Back in May, as school was wrapping up, the Grand Rapids Police Department sent out a general refresher for parents and teens about local curfew laws and scooter rules heading into summer.

Now, with summer winding down, GRPD is putting out another warning. But this time, it is not just a routine end-of-season reminder.

Police say they are actively monitoring social media posts encouraging teenagers to gather for a coordinated "takeover" downtown using Lime scooters. Last Friday they shared they were aware of at least one potential planned event.

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It's part of a trend we've seen popping up in Michigan and beyond lately. Earlier this summer, Grand Rapids dealt with overnight car meetups and street takeovers that shut down intersections and blocked traffic on I -196.

And last week in Detroit, police had to temporarily lock down downtown Lime scooters after social media calls for a teen takeover threatened to get out of hand there, too.

Now, local police are trying to step in before something similar happens in downtown Grand Rapids.

A Quick Refresher on the Curfew Rules

In a statement posted online, GRPD made a point to remind families that city curfew laws are very much active and strictly enforced. In terms of curfew limits:

• Kids 11 and under must be off public streets by 10 p.m.
• Ages 12 through 14 must be in by 11 p.m.
• Ages 15 and 16 must be in by midnight.

Exceptions apply if a minor is directly with a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult.

What Happens If Curfew Is Broken

Police are stressing that breaking curfew comes with serious consequences for both kids and parents.

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If a minor is picked up for a curfew violation, officers will not drive them home. Parents or legal guardians have to go directly to police custody to pick them up in person.

Teens found in violation can face up to 90 days in juvenile detention and fines up to $500. Parents are not off the hook, either. Knowingly allowing a child to violate the curfew ordinance is a misdemeanor that carries potential penalties of up to 90 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.

The Rules for Lime Scooters and E-Bikes

Alongside the curfew warning, GRPD laid out the specific rules governing city Lime scooters and e-bikes:

• Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to unlock or operate a Lime scooter or e-bike. Minors are legally prohibited from riding them.
• No Sidewalk Riding: Scooters and e-bikes are strictly banned on sidewalks in the downtown area. Riders must stick to bike lanes or street lanes.
• Single Riders Only: Carrying passengers on a single device is prohibited.
• Beyond legal penalties, Lime may, at its discretion, assess fines, fees, or account penalties against users who violate these terms or allow minors to operate devices registered to their accounts.

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Note that these are the policies for Lime scooters and bikes. Currently, the City is considering switching to an electronic mobility company called Veo that will have its own rules and regulations.

GRPD says they are working with local partners to monitor online chatter and address any unsafe behavior downtown before summer comes to an end.