Chapter 8.20
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS
Sections:
8.20.070 Additional penalties – Scooter safety school.
8.20.010 Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Terms not defined here are defined according to FWRC 1.05.020.
“Motorized foot scooter” means a device with no more than two 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. A motor-driven cycle, a moped, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter.
“Similar device” means any device that: (1) matches the definition of a motorized foot scooter except for the size of the device’s wheels; and (2) cannot be defined as a motor-driven cycle, a moped, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle.
(Ord. No. 09-591, § 9, 1-6-09; Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-240.)
8.20.020 Areas of operation.
It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride a motorized foot scooter or similar device upon park property as stated in FWRC 4.05.360(3), upon city sidewalks, or upon streets with a maximum speed limit above 25 miles per hour. This section does not apply to electric motorized foot scooters and similar devices when that device is operated by a person with a mobility impairment caused by a physical disability who uses that device to enhance that person’s mobility.
(Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-241.)
8.20.030 Time of operation.
No motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated from the half-hour following sunset until the half-hour before sunrise.
(Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-242.)
8.20.040 Rules of operation.
(1) 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.
(2) Any person operating a 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 or flagger.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) No motorized foot scooter 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 traffic-control devices, and failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic.
(6) No motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated with any passengers in addition to the operator.
(7) Every motorized foot scooter shall be equipped with a red reflector on the front and rear of a type approved by the State Patrol, which shall be visible from all distances up to 600 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
(8) No motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated without the operator wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
(9) No motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated without a muffler.
(10) Handlebars must not exceed the shoulders of the rider.
(11) Motorized foot scooters and similar devices must have a working brake that will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
(12) A motorized foot scooter and similar device must have all other equipment required by state or local law.
(13) At all times, operators of motorized foot scooters and similar devices shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and human-powered devices and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian or human-powered device.
(Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-243.)
8.20.050 Noise.
No motorized foot scooter or similar device shall be operated in a manner that violates the city’s noise ordinance in Chapter 7.10 FWRC, or any other state or local law.
(Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-244.)
8.20.060 Responsibility.
No person shall do any act forbidden by this chapter or fail to perform any act required in this chapter. The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child and/or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-245.)
8.20.070 Additional penalties – Scooter safety school.
(1) In addition to the other means of enforcement provided in this chapter, a scooter safety school is hereby authorized to be administered by the police department as a diversion program available to those who violate the provisions of this title for the first time.
(2) The purpose of the scooter safety school is to offer those who have violated the provisions of this title for the first time instruction, education, and information regarding the proper, lawful, and safe operation of scooters and similar devices, including but not limited to the state motorized foot scooter regulations in RCW Title 46, the rules of the road, and the limitations of persons, vehicles, and bicycles on roads, streets, and highways under varying conditions and circumstances.
(3) The police department shall charge a fee to scooter school participants for the purpose of reimbursing some or all of the cost of administering the scooter school. The amount of the fee shall be as established or amended by the city council by resolution. Participants in the scooter school shall remit said fee to the management services department in accordance with the procedures established by the police department.
(Ord. No. 09-597, § 43, 1-6-09; Ord. No. 07-572, § 11, 12-4-07; Ord. No. 04-464, § 7, 9-21-04. Code 2001 § 15-246.)