Chapter 10.07
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS AND SIMILAR DEVICES

Sections:

10.07.010    Definitions.

10.07.020    Requirements for operating motorized foot scooters and similar devices.

10.07.030    Certain uses prohibited.

10.07.040    Prohibited areas.

10.07.050    Violation – Penalty.

10.07.010 Definitions.

A. “Gas powered motorized foot scooter” means 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 that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

B. “Electric powered motorized foot scooter” means 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 electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

C. “Similar device” means any motorized transportation device not specifically defined in the RCW. By illustration, this includes but is not limited to power boards and motorized skate boards, and it does not include motorcycles, electric-assisted bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMDs), or mopeds.

D. “Rules of the road” means all rules applicable to vehicle or pedestrian traffic as set forth in state statute, rule or regulation.

E. “Helmet” means a protective covering for the head with a hard outer shell and a neck or chinstrap retention system that meets or exceeds safety standards adopted by Standard Z-90.4 set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

F. The regulations of this chapter shall not apply to any vehicle used by a disabled person as defined by RCW 46.16.381. [Ord. 396 § 1, 2005; Ord. 392 § 1, 2005]

10.07.020 Requirements for operating motorized foot scooters and similar devices.

A. A person must be at least 15 years old to operate a gas powered motorized foot scooter or similar device on public rights-of-way within the city.

B. A person must be at least 13 years old to operate an electric powered motorized foot scooter on public rights-of-way within the city.

C. Equipment. The following equipment shall be required whenever a gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device is operated on public rights-of-way within the city:

1. 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);

2. A working muffler that properly regulates the noise being emitted from the gas powered motorized foot scooter or similar device;

3. A working brake that will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement;

4. During hours of limited visibility, operators are required to have a lamp attached to the front of the device which shall emit a white light and to the rear a lamp emitting a red light where both are visible from a distance of at least 500 feet;

5. Any other equipment required by state law.

D. Any person operating a gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device 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.

E. Any person operating a gas or electric motorized foot scooter or similar device shall ride in bicycle lanes if available or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway when not.

F. When preparing for a left turn, the operator of a gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device 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. 396 § 1, 2005; Ord. 392 § 1, 2005]

10.07.030 Certain uses prohibited.

A. No gas powered motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated in a manner that constitutes a public disturbance noise under Chapter 9.05 SMC.

B. No gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated from sunset to sunrise during the summer daylight savings period and from 8:00 p.m. to sunrise during the winter non-daylight savings period.

C. No gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated with any passenger(s) or passenger(s) in tow in addition to the operator. [Ord. 396 § 1, 2005; Ord. 392 § 1, 2005]

10.07.040 Prohibited areas.

A. It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride a gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device in any of the following areas:

1. Streets with a maximum speed limit above 25 miles per hour; and

2. Sidewalks, with the exception of electric powered motorized foot scooters.

B. Electric powered motorized foot scooters may be operated or ridden upon sidewalks, subject to the following:

1. The electric foot scooters may not be operated on sidewalks in a business district, on the Interurban Trail, or as otherwise prohibited by traffic control devices;

2. Operators have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties applicable to a pedestrian; and

3. Operators must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian. [Ord. 481 § 1, 2007; Ord. 396 § 1, 2005; Ord. 392 § 1, 2005]

10.07.050 Violation – Penalty.

A. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to have committed a traffic infraction.

B. In lieu of the penalty described above, a Shoreline police officer may use the following for a person under 16 years of age found operating a gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device in violation of the provisions of this chapter:

1. For the first violation in a 365-day period, the officer may issue a warning and notify the child’s parent or guardian of the violation;

2. For the second violation in a 365-day period, the officer may take custody of the gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device.

If the gas or electric powered motorized foot scooter or similar device is impounded, a $50.00 administrative fee for impound shall be paid to the city clerk prior to release. Only a parent or guardian can reclaim the scooter or device impounded under this section.

C. The parent or guardian shall not authorize or knowingly permit a child to violate any provision of this chapter. [Ord. 396 § 1, 2005; Ord. 392 § 1, 2005]