Chapter 10.20
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS
Sections:
10.20.060 Mufflers – Prevention of noise.
10.20.005 Findings.
The Walla Walla city council finds that there has been a dramatic rise in the number of injuries associated with the use of motorized foot scooters, and that the operation of motorized foot scooters in the city of Walla Walla affects the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens.
The Walla Walla city council further finds that motorized foot scooters present a greater risk of injury to persons and damage to property than bicycles. Motorized foot scooters are more susceptible to upset by roadway obstruction, because they have smaller wheels than bicycles. Lost control is more likely on a motorized foot scooter than a bicycle, because such scooters are motorized and have a shorter wheelbase. Operators of motorized foot scooters are more likely to lose their balance than bicycle riders, because they operate their vehicles from a standing or sitting position rather than astride. Due to their size, motorized foot scooters are less visible to other motorists than bicycles.
The Walla Walla city council further finds that motorized foot scooters present an unacceptable risk of injury or death to persons under the age of sixteen years. Such persons do not possess sufficient training or experience to operate motor vehicles, and such persons lack physical and cognitive maturity to safely operate motor vehicles. (Ord. 2004-09 § 1, 2004).
10.20.010 Application.
This chapter shall apply to the operation and riding of motorized foot scooters in, on, or upon public ways or public property. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).
10.20.020 Definitions.
A. “Bicycle” means every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is sixteen inches or more in diameter, or three wheels, any one of which is more than twenty inches in diameter.
B. “Guardian” means a parent, legal guardian, an adult with custody, or a temporary guardian who maintains responsibility, whether voluntary or otherwise, for the safety and welfare of a person under the age of eighteen years.
C. “Motorized foot scooter” means a device with no more than two ten-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.
For purposes of this chapter, a motor-driven cycle, a moped, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).
10.20.030 Rules of the road.
Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to bicycle riders. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).
10.20.040 Safe operation.
A. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated faster than is reasonable and proper, and every motorized foot scooter shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and of other persons and property.
B. No motorized foot scooter shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
C. No person shall operate or ride upon a motorized foot scooter during hours of darkness as defined in RCW 46.37.020 unless the motorized foot scooter is equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a reflector on the rear of a type approved by the state patrol.
D. No person shall operate or ride upon a motorized foot scooter unless it is equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
E. No person operating a motorized foot scooter shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).
10.20.050 Limitations.
A. No person under the age of sixteen years shall operate a motorized foot scooter.
B. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter in, on, or upon a sidewalk.
C. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter in, on, or upon a multipurpose trail upon which motorized vehicles are prohibited.
D. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter in, on, or upon a Walla Walla city park.
E. No guardian shall knowingly permit a person to operate or ride upon a motorized foot scooter in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).
10.20.060 Mufflers – Prevention of noise.
Every motorized scooter vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, bypass, or similar device upon a motorized foot scooter in the city of Walla Walla. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).
10.20.100 Violations.
It is an infraction for any person or guardian to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required by this chapter. Anyone found to have committed a traffic infraction shall be assessed a monetary penalty not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars for each violation; provided, however, that the monetary penalty imposed upon a juvenile under the age of sixteen years may not exceed one hundred dollars for each violation. (Ord. 2004-09 § 2(part), 2004).