Chapter 10.23
MOTORIZED SCOOTERS AND OTHER WHEELED DEVICES
Sections:
10.23.020 Operation of motorized scooters and cycles.
10.23.030 Parent responsibility.
10.23.040 Violation – Enforcement authority and penalties.
10.23.060 Ride-share scooters and cycles.
10.23.010 Definitions.
“Motorized cycle” as used in this chapter means a wheeled device with any number of wheels, with or without a handle or handlebars, that is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor and capable of propelling a standing, sitting, or recumbent operator without human propulsion. This definition does not include “motorcycles” as defined by RCW 46.04.330, golf carts under RCW 46.04.1945, or mopeds under RCW 46.04.304.
“Motorized scooter” means a device with two or three 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 capable of propelling the device without human propulsion.
“Ride-share scooters and cycles” means motorized scooters or other motorized cycles provided by a private company and rented to members of the public via a computer-based application.
This chapter does not apply to any disabled person using a wheelchair conveyance as defined in RCW 46.04.710, or to power wheelchairs as defined by RCW 46.04.415, or to wheeled devices used to transport small children, or city equipment. (Ord. 2022-021 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2004-017 § 1)
10.23.020 Operation of motorized scooters and cycles.
A. Motorized scooters and cycles cannot be operated on public roadways with a speed limit of greater than 25 miles per hour.
B. Operators of motorized scooters and cycles must adhere to all rules of the road applicable to motorized vehicles.
C. Motorized scooters and cycles must not be operated in any place where motorized vehicles are expressly prohibited and/or prohibited by posted signs. For formal shared paths such as the Olympic Discovery Trail, refer to RCW 46.61.710(7) for Class 1 and Class 2 electric-assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters.
D. Motorized scooters and cycles must not be operated during night-time hours on public property, including streets, without being equipped with illumination devices that provide adequate visibility for the operator and other users of the public property.
E. At no times is a passenger or pet allowed to be carried on a motorized scooter or cycle except in a conveyance that is specifically designed and approved for that purpose.
F. Motorized scooters and cycles must not be operated upon any roadway or city right-of-way within the city of Sequim in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, or that obstructs, hinders, or impedes 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.
G. Motorized scooters and cycles must 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.
H. Operation of a motorized scooter or cycle without a muffling device in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, or operation with a modified muffling device, is unlawful and a violation of this chapter.
I. No operator of a motorized scooter or cycle is allowed to use it to tow any other vehicle or conveyance upon any public area in the jurisdiction of the city of Sequim unless the towed vehicle is specifically designed and approved for that purpose. (Ord. 2022-021 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2004-017 § 1)
10.23.030 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 scooter or cycle in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 2022-021 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2004-017 § 1)
10.23.040 Violation – Enforcement authority and penalties.
The city of Sequim police department personnel are responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Upon determining a violation has occurred, law enforcement officers may, at their discretion, issue a civil infraction in an amount set forth in Chapter 3.68 SMC, Rates and Fees. (Ord. 2022-021 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2004-017 § 1)
10.23.050 Seizure and forfeiture.
Repealed by Ord. 2022-021. (Ord. 2004-017 § 1)
10.23.060 Ride-share scooters and cycles.
A. If allowed within city limits, ride-share scooters and cycles must be operated in accordance with this chapter and will be subject to the following additional regulation:
1. After use, operators must return the scooter or cycle to a location designated by the company providing the scooter or cycle.
2. Companies providing ride-share scooters or cycles within the city limits of Sequim may do so only as approved by the city council, and must comply with all terms of any contract with, and/or permit issued by, the city of Sequim.
B. Unattended ride-share scooters or cycles found on public property within the city limits that belong to a private company with whom the city does not have a current contract, or in a location that was not agreed to in a contract or permit, will be impounded at the private company’s expense and the company may be subject to a fine or other legal action.
C. Operators of ride-share scooters or cycles from a company with whom the city does not have a current contract will be advised that the devices must not be left on any public property within the city limits after use, and that doing so may subject the operator to a fine. (Ord. 2022-021 § 1 (Exh. A))