A heated discussion on whether or not Cape Girardeau should draft an ordinance that would require scooter operators to wear a helmet and have insurance was held during Monday's meeting of the Cape Girardeau's City Council.

Director of the Department of Public Safety at Southeast Missouri State University Doug Richards told the council how Southeast has seen a significant increase in scooter usage on campus.

"In 2011 we had 51 scooters registered," Richards said. "This year we have 352 scooter registered on campus."

Richards said students who register their scooters receive emails about safety measures and guidelines while operating a scooter.

"There are no requirements or safety precautions for scooters, other than having a vehicle driver's license," Richards said. "Scooter operators don't need to wear helmets or face gear."

Richards said since there has been an increase in scooters on campus, DPS moved scooter parking away from congested areas because scooters are difficult to be seen by vehicles.

A possible city ordinance that would require anyone on campus to wear a helmet could improve safety, Richards said.

"We need something to enforce, such as helmets," Richards said. "There are other cities, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., that require helmets."

Richards said when it comes to scooter accidents, the majority of injuries are head injuries. He said the ordinance cannot make it completely safe for scooter operators, but it can improve safety.

"Overall, we need to do something that protects everyone: pedestrians, scooter riders and vehicles," Richards said.

Sarina Webb, a teacher's assistant in the Cape Girardeau School District, said her daughter will be driving soon and she has been noticing more and more scooters on the road.

"My husband rode a motorcycle and ran off the road. He had his helmet on, and it saved his life," Webb said. "I think we need to change the ordinance to protect our children, who will be tax-paying citizens one day. We need to think of their lives first."

Southeast junior Mitchell has been riding a scooter on campus for three years and has only had a permit for four weeks.

"My freshmen year, I parked on the sidewalk outside of my classes, I parked on the sidewalk outside of my dorm room," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said he has a problem with the new scooter parking on campus.

"They moved all of our parking across Henderson," Mitchell said. "So now instead of getting off my scooter and walking 20 feet to class, I get off my scooter and walk 400 yards across the second most congested street on campus."

The Cape Girardeau City Council will consider if scooter operators are required to wear a helmet, and if scooter operators should have insurance.