Chapter 10.90
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS
Sections:
10.90.020 Operation of motorized foot scooters.
10.90.030 Parent responsibility.
10.90.040 Violation – Enforcement authority and penalties.
10.90.050 Seizure and forfeiture.
10.90.010 Definitions.
“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. [Ord. 694 § 1, 2004.]
10.90.020 Operation of motorized foot scooters.
(A) Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated upon a public roadway by any person under 16 years of age.
(B) Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated on public roadways with a speed limit of greater than 25 miles per hour.
(C) Operators of motorized foot scooters shall adhere to all rules of the road applicable to motorized vehicles.
(D) Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated on city-owned property, city parks, upon designated walkways, pathways, sidewalks, or any other place where motorized vehicles are expressly prohibited.
(E) Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated anytime during one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
(F) At no times shall a passenger be allowed to ride on a motorized foot scooter.
(G) Motorized foot scooters shall not be operated in a negligent manner upon any roadway or city right-of-way within the city of Granite Falls. For the purpose of this section, “to operate in a negligent manner” means to operate a motorized foot scooter in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property or to obstruct, hinder or impede the lawful course of travel of any motor vehicle or the lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, alleys, parking areas, trails or public parks within the city of Granite Falls.
(H) Motorized foot scooters shall be equipped so that the drive motor is engaged through a switch, lever, or other mechanism that, when released, will cause the drive motor to disengage or cease to function.
(I) Operator shall wear a helmet with an approved bicycle standard of CPSC or greater. [Ord. 694 § 1, 2004.]
10.90.030 Parent responsibility.
It is unlawful for any parent, guardian or other person having control or custody of a minor child to allow said minor to operate a motorized foot scooter in violation of this chapter. [Ord. 694 § 1, 2004.]
10.90.040 Violation – Enforcement authority and penalties.
The city of Granite Falls police department personnel shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Upon determining a violation of this chapter has occurred, law enforcement officers may, at their discretion, issue a civil infraction in the following amounts to any person, including a parent or guardian, violating any of the provisions of this chapter. In any case, the amount shall not exceed $250.00. In addition to issuing an infraction, law enforcement officers may impound the motorized foot scooter in accordance with GFMC 10.90.050, and may sell or destroy seized property upon order of the court in accordance with GFMC 10.90.050.
The following monetary penalties shall apply:
(A) First offense: $40.00;
(B) Second offense: $80.00;
(C) Third and future offenses: $250.00.
Payment of civil fines within 24 hours of the issuance of the notice of violation (not including weekends and legal holidays) shall reduce the amount of the fine owing by 50 percent. [Ord. 694 § 1, 2004.]
10.90.050 Seizure and forfeiture.
All motorized foot scooters operated in violation of this chapter are subject to seizure and forfeiture in the following manner:
(A) First Seizure. Any person who has property seized for the first time pursuant to this chapter may prevent forfeiture of said property by contacting the police department within 10 days of receipt of notice of violation and requesting the property be returned. All monetary penalties imposed must be paid prior to release of seized property.
(B) Second Seizure. Any person who has property seized a second time pursuant to this chapter may cause the property to be impounded for a period of no less than 10 days from the receipt of notice of violation. All monetary penalties imposed must be paid prior to release of property.
(C) Third and Future Seizures. Any person who has property seized a third or more times pursuant to this chapter shall cause the property to be subject to forfeiture. The chief of police, or designee, may apply to the court for an order of forfeiture in accordance with RCW 35.20.250. [Ord. 694 § 1, 2004.]