Chapter 9.16
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS
Sections:
9.16.020 Operation of motorized foot scooters.
9.16.030 Parent responsibility.
9.16.040 Violation--Enforcement authority and penalties.
9.16.010 Definitions.
"Motorized foot scooter" means a device with no more than two ten-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. The term does not include a motor-driven bicycle, a moped, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle. (Ord. 05-457 § 1 (part), 2005)
9.16.020 Operation of motorized foot scooters.
A. No person under the age of fourteen may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a public roadway or other public property.
B. No person may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a public roadway or other public property without wearing a protective helmet 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 Washington State or the Town Council may adopt.
C. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter on public roadways at a speed greater than twenty-five miles per hour.
D. Operators of motorized foot scooters shall adhere to all rules of the road applicable to motorized vehicles.
E. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter on town-owned property, town parks, upon designated walkways, pathways, sidewalks or any other place where motorized vehicles are expressly prohibited.
F. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter during hours of darkness, as defined by RCW 46.37.020.
G. No person operating a motorized foot scooter shall allow a passenger to ride on that motorized foot scooter.
H. Motorized foot scooters shall be at all times equipped with a muffler in good working order so as to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Use of any cutout, bypass, or similar muffler elimination device is prohibited.
I. 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.
J. Motorized foot scooters shall be equipped with a brake which, when applied, will enable the operator to make the braked wheel(s) skid on pavement.
K. No person shall operate a motorized foot scooter which has been modified or enhanced in design or construction from the specifications provided by the manufacturer. (Ord. 05-457 § 1(part), 2005)
9.16.030 Parent responsibility.
It is unlawful for any parent, guardian or other person having control or custody of a minor child to allow such minor to operate a motorized foot scooter in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 05-457 § 1(part), 2005)
9.16.040 Violation--Enforcement authority and penalties.
The town of Woodway police department personnel shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter. Upon determining that 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 two hundred fifty dollars.
The following monetary penalties shall apply:
A. First offense: fifty dollars;
B. Second offense: one hundred dollars;
C. Third and future offenses: two hundred fifty dollars and impound scooter. (Ord. 05-457 § 1(part), 2005)
9.16.050 Impound.
Upon three or more violations under this chapter, town law enforcement may take custody of the motorized foot scooter.
A. The Town Chief of Police shall promulgate the procedure for reclaiming motorized foot scooters.
B. Town law enforcement must provide the violator with written notice setting forth the procedure for reclaiming the motorized foot scooter.
C. Only the adult owner or the parent or legal guardian of a minor in violation may reclaim a motorized foot scooter impounded pursuant to this section.
D. Any person reclaiming property under this section shall pay for all costs of impound and any civil penalties prior to the release of any property impounded under this section.
E. Any unclaimed property will be disposed of in accordance with state law. (Ord. 05-457 § 1(part), 2005)