Chapter 10.07
MOTORIZED PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICES
Sections:
10.07.030 Rental of motorized personal transportation devices.
10.07.060 Violation – Penalty.
10.07.010 Applicability.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to electric-assisted bicycles, motorized foot scooters, and similar devices. This chapter does not apply to motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or mopeds, as those terms are defined in Chapter 46.04 RCW.
B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any device used by a disabled person as defined in RCW 46.16. 381, such as a power wheelchair, as defined in RCW 46.04.415.
C. The provisions of this chapter are intended to be in addition to any regulations or restrictions imposed by state law. [Ord. 1011 § 2(B) (Exh. A), 2024]
10.07.020 Definitions.
“Bicycle” means a two- or three-wheeled device propelled solely by human power or the same type of device for which human power is assisted by electric power as defined in RCW 46.04.071, as amended.
“Bicycle lane” means the area of the public right-of-way designated exclusively for use by bicycles.
“City street” means every public highway right-of-way as defined in Chapter 46.04 RCW, or part thereof located within the city limits of the city of Shoreline. For the purpose of this chapter, city streets include the shoulder of such streets and public alleys but not sidewalks.
“Designated park trail” means a parks facilities corridor operated, maintained, and designated by the city for shared use of pedestrians, bicyclists, and operators of motorized personal transportation devices.
“Electric-assisted bicycle” means a two- or three-wheeled device that can be powered solely by human power or by assistance from electric power as defined in RCW 46.04.169, as amended.
“Electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD)” means a self-balancing device with two wheels not in tandem or with one wheel as defined in RCW 46.04.1695.
“Motorized foot scooter” means a device with two or three wheels powered by an internal combustion or electric motor as defined in RCW 46.04.336.
“Motorized personal transportation devices” means electric-assisted bicycles, motorized foot scooters, motorized skateboards, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and all other similar devices.
“Multipurpose public right-of-way” means a public path or sidewalk designed for use of pedestrians, bicyclists, and operators of motorized personal transportation devices.
“Person” means any natural individual, group of individuals, business, entity, corporation, partnership, or similar types of business structures.
“RCW” means the Revised Code of Washington, as amended from time to time.
“Rules of the road” means all rules applicable to vehicles, bicycles, motorized personal transportation devices, or pedestrian traffic as set forth in state or local law, rule, or regulation.
“Sidewalk” means the area of the public right-of-way generally reserved for pedestrian use.
“Similar device” means any motorized transportation device not specifically defined in the RCW for use by an individual person including but not limited to power boards and motorized skateboards. [Ord. 1011 § 2(B) (Exh. A), 2024]
10.07.030 Rental of motorized personal transportation devices.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to rent or lease an application-based electronically activated motorized personal transportation device in the city of Shoreline without the prior written permission of the city. Permission of the city may be granted, at the city’s sole discretion, through a franchise agreement, service contract, or right-of-way permit. The city reserves the right to limit the number of agreements, contracts, or permits for such rental services.
B. Prior to commencing rental operations, in addition to the type of permission addressed in subsection A of this section, all persons shall apply for and receive a city business license.
C. Any person found to be renting or leasing devices without the city’s prior written permission shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $250.00 per device and revocation of a city business license pursuant to Chapter 5.05 SMC. [Ord. 1011 § 2(B) (Exh. A), 2024]
10.07.040 Areas of operation.
A. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, motorized personal transportation devices may only be operated on city streets, bicycle lanes, multipurpose public rights-of-way, and designated park trails, and are expressly prohibited in the following locations:
1. Except when operating within a designated bicycle lane, on any city street with a posted maximum speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour. [Ord. 1011 § 2(B) (Exh. A), 2024]
10.07.050 Rules of operation.
A. No person under the age of 13 years may operate a motorized personal transportation device on city streets.
B. Any person operating a motorized personal transportation device shall obey all rules of the road applicable to vehicle traffic, as well as official traffic control signals and signs.
C. No person shall operate a motorized personal transportation device in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. Operation of a device in excess of the posted speed limit for the area shall be prima facie evidence of operation in a manner likely to endanger any person or property.
D. No motorized personal transportation device shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
E. Equipment. All motorized personal transportation devices shall have the following equipment when operated on a city street, a public path or trail, or in a public park:
1. A working brake system.
2. If powered by an internal combustion engine, the device shall have a muffler in good working order.
3. If using during hours of darkness, as defined in RCW 46.37.020, a lamp as required for bicycles per RCW 46.61.780.
4. Any other equipment required by state law.
F. Parking. No motorized personal transportation device shall be parked:
1. On a city street except in locations designated by official traffic control devices of the city.
2. On a sidewalk, public path, multipurpose public right-of-way, or trail in such a manner as to obstruct traffic thereon.
3. Within, against, or adjacent to a bus shelter in a manner which restricts or eliminates the use of such shelter by individuals who are waiting for public transportation. [Ord. 1011 § 2(B) (Exh. A), 2024]
10.07.060 Violation – Penalty.
A. The parent or guardian of any child under 13 years of age shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
B. Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a traffic infraction. Upon conviction, that person shall be punished by the imposition of a monetary penalty of not more than $250.00; provided, that any conduct that constitutes a violation of a rule of the road, including but not limited to operating a device under the influence, may be charged and subject to the maximum penalties allowed for the offense.
C. In lieu of the penalty described above, any police officer has the discretion to issue a warning to a person violating this chapter, giving greater discretion to those persons under the age of 13 years. [Ord. 1011 § 2(B) (Exh. A), 2024]