Chapter 46.20
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS AND OTHER VEHICLES
Sections:
46.20.010 Definition.
46.20.020 Duty to obey traffic control devices and rules of the road.
46.20.030 Unsafe use prohibited.
46.20.040 Prohibited areas.
46.20.050 Minimum age requirements.
46.20.060 Helmets required.
46.20.070 Lights required.
46.20.080 Noise restriction.
46.20.090 Parental responsibility.
46.20.100 Adoption by reference of Title 9 of the King County Health Code.
46.20.110 Penalties.
46.20.010 Definition.
(1) “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, such as scooters or pocket bikes.
(2) For purposes of this chapter, a motor-driven cycle, a moped, an electric-assisted bicycle, a motorcycle, a power wheelchair, electric personal assistive mobility device, or motorized wheelchairs being utilized by persons with temporary or permanent disabilities are specifically excluded from this chapter. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.020 Duty to obey traffic control devices and rules of the road.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any person operating a motorized foot scooter, a motorized vehicle not requiring a license to operate, or a vehicle powered by an electric motor requiring a license to operate (hereafter referred to as “vehicle” or “vehicles”), shall obey all rules of the road applicable to automobiles, bicycles, or pedestrians, 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.
(2) It shall be unlawful to operate any vehicle on a public roadway other than as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or the right edge of the roadway, as is safe, except while preparing to make or while making a turning movement. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.030 Unsafe use prohibited.
Vehicles shall not be ridden in a negligent or unsafe manner, but shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons, and in a manner to avoid damage to real or personal property. For purposes of this section, to operate “in a negligent or unsafe manner” means operation of a vehicle in such manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.040 Prohibited areas.
(1) Motorized foot scooters powered by an internal combustion engine are prohibited from being operated:
(a) On sidewalks within the City limits; and
(b) On any City street with a posted maximum speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour.
(2) Motorized foot scooters powered by an electric motor are prohibited from being operated:
(a) On any City street with a posted maximum speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour. (Ord. O2021-531 § 2 (Att. A); Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.050 Minimum age requirements.
No vehicle shall be operated on public property unless the operator is at least 12 years of age. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.060 Helmets required.
Any person operating a vehicle, and any person riding as a passenger on such vehicle, upon any public area in the City of Sammamish, shall wear an approved helmet designed for safety that meets or exceeds the requirements of Standard Z-90.4 set by the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) or the Snell Foundation, or a subsequent nationally recognized standard for helmet performance as the City may adopt. The helmet shall be worn over the head and equipped with either a neck or chinstrap that shall be fastened securely while such vehicle is in motion. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.070 Lights required.
Every vehicle in use at any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead shall be equipped with and operate: (1) a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front; and (2) a red reflector on the rear, of a type approved by the State Patrol, which shall be visible from all distances up to 500 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector. A light-emitting diode flashing taillight visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may also be used in addition to the red reflector. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.080 Noise restriction.
Operation of motorized foot scooters is subject to the provisions Chapter 8.15 SMC, Public Disturbance Noise. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.090 Parental responsibility.
A parent who has custody of any child under the age of 18 years and the guardian of any ward under the age of 18 years shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this section. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.100 Adoption by reference of Title 9 of the King County Health Code.
Title 9 of the King County Health Code, entitled “Bicycle Helmets,” is hereby adopted by reference and incorporated herein. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)
46.20.110 Penalties.
(1) Violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a civil infraction with a penalty of $50.00 for each violation. The disposition of an infraction issued under this chapter shall follow the procedures adopted under WAC 308-330-700 and the applicable sections of Chapter 46.63 RCW.
(2) When a violation of any provision of this chapter by a child under the age of 16 years occurs, the City may impound the vehicle if, in the discretion of the officer, there is not a parent who has custody of the child or guardian of the child available to whom the vehicle can be released and taking custody of the vehicle is: (a) reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter; or (b) reasonably necessary to protect persons or property. Thereafter, the vehicle shall be released to the parent or guardian upon written request. (Ord. O2005-167 § 1)