Chapter 10.54
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS
AND SIMILAR DEVICES
Sections:
10.54.010 Motorized devices defined.
10.54.020 Duty of motorized foot scooter operators to obey traffic-control devices and rules of the road.
10.54.030 Certain uses prohibited.
10.54.040 Prohibited areas for motorized foot scooters.
10.54.050 Requirements for operating motorized foot scooters.
10.54.060 Violation – Penalty.
10.54.010 Motorized devices defined.
A. “Motorized foot scooter” is defined as a device with two or more 10-inch or smaller diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion. It is provided, however, that the regulations of this chapter shall not apply to any vehicle used by a disabled person as defined by RCW 46.16.381.
B. “Motorized personal transportation device” is defined to mean and include motorized skateboards, “pocket bikes” and all other similar devices.
C. For the purposes of this section, “motorized personal transportation devices” and “motorized foot scooters” are not motor-driven cycles, mopeds, electric-assisted bicycles, or motorcycles, as defined in state law, nor are they any other vehicles for which the State Department of Licensing requires certificates of ownership, certificates of license registration, vehicle licenses or vehicle license plates, and for which the State Department of Licensing requires the operators to have vehicle operator’s licenses, as provided by RCW Title 46. For the purposes of this section, motorized personal transportation devices and motorized foot scooters are also not motorized wheelchairs used by persons of disability, as defined in RCW 77.08.010. Further, for the purposes of this section, motorized personal transportation devices are not motorized foot scooters, as defined herein. (Ord. 5900 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5859 § 1, 2004; Ord. 5844 § 1, 2004.)
10.54.020 Duty of motorized foot scooter operators to obey traffic-control devices and rules of the road.
A. Any person operating a motorized foot scooter shall obey all rules of the road applicable to vehicle or pedestrian traffic, as well as the instructions of official traffic-control signals, signs and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
B. Additionally, it shall be unlawful to operate a motorized foot scooter or similar device other than as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway.
C. When preparing for a left turn, the operator shall stop and dismount as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway and complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to the restrictions placed on pedestrians in Chapter 46.61 RCW. (Ord. 5900 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5844 § 1, 2004.)
10.54.030 Certain uses prohibited.
A. No motorized foot scooter, motorized personal transportation device or similar device shall be ridden or operated in a negligent or unsafe manner but shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons. For the purposes hereof, to “operate in a negligent manner” means the operation of a motorized foot scooter or similar device in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. Examples of operating in a negligent manner include, but are not limited to, failure to obey all traffic-control devices, failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic.
B. No motorized foot scooter, motorized personal transportation device or similar device shall be operated in a manner that violates the city’s noise ordinances (including but not limited to: (1) the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law; (2) the creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property; and (3) the squealing, screeching or other such sounds from motor vehicle tires in contact with the ground or other roadway surface because of rapid acceleration, braking or excessive speed around corners or because of such other reason; provided, that sounds which result from actions which are necessary to avoid danger are exempt, as prohibited by ACC 8.28.010, Noise control) or any other state or local law.
C. No motorized foot scooter, motorized personal transportation device or similar device shall be operated between the time of sunset to sunrise.
D. No motorized foot scooter, motorized personal transportation device or similar device shall be operated with any passengers in addition to the operator.
E. No motorized foot scooter, motorized personal transportation device or similar device shall be operated without the operator wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets or exceeds safety standards adopted by Standard Z-90.4 set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
F. It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motorized personal transportation device, as defined in this chapter, on any public right-of-way within the city. (Ord. 5900 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5844 § 1, 2004.)
10.54.040 Prohibited areas for motorized foot scooters.
It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorized foot scooter in any of the following areas:
A. Central business district, including upon any street, alley, sidewalk, park or publicly owned parking lot in the central business district of the city of Auburn as described in ACC 18.06.010(A) (11) and as delineated in the map attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter, marked as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference.
B. Parks, including sidewalks, streets, paths, trails and similar travel ways.
C. Sidewalks.
D. Streets with a maximum speed limit above 25 miles per hour. (Ord. 5900 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5844 § 1, 2004.)
10.54.050 Requirements for operating motorized foot scooters.
A. Minimum Age. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated on streets or other public areas not otherwise prohibited by this chapter to motorized foot scooters unless the operator is at least 16 years of age. No operator’s license is required from the Department of Licensing to operate a motorized foot scooter.
B. Required Equipment. The following equipment shall be required whenever a motorized foot scooter is operated on public streets, rights-of-way or other public property within the city:
1. Reflectors Required. Pursuant to RCW 46.20.500(5), a motorized foot scooter must be affixed with visible reflectors of a type approved by the Washington State Patrol.
2. No motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated without a muffler, as required by RCW 46.61.710.
3. Handlebars must not exceed shoulders of the rider.
4. Scooter must have a working brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
5. Any other equipment required by state or local law. (Ord. 5900 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5859 § 2, 2004; Ord. 5844 § 1, 2004.)
10.54.060 Violation – Penalty.
Violation of the provisions of this chapter is an infraction, subject to penalties in accordance with ACC 1.25.050. (Ord. 5900 § 1, 2005; Ord. 5844 § 1, 2004.)