MARYSVILLE – For riders who buzz around town on motorized scooters, take heed – there’s a new law in town.
The City Council on Monday adopted a new ordinance regulating motorized scooters after studying what other cities in the Snohomish County have done. The council’s goal was to allow riders to enjoy the hot new toys, but also to protect riders and the public.
“We want to get the message out there before parents start buying these for Christmas,” said Councilman Jeff Vaughan, who headed the council’s scooter committee.
Resident Janice Baldwin applauded the council for the new law. Baldwin said a local business was selling a tiny, pink electric scooter for $59, targeting very young girls.
Under the law, scooters may not exceed 25 mph, riders may not carry passengers, and children younger than 16 may ride only when they are under the direct visual supervision of a parent or guardian.
Pocket bikes, another popular item marketed to young people, are restricted to private property and will not be allowed on city streets under the new law.
Motorized scooters are popular with children and young adults, but police are stopping more riders who have had their driver’s licenses suspended or revoked, police Sgt. Doug Lee said. The scooters do not require a driver’s license.
City officials have received complaints about the speed, noise and careless operation of scooters and pocket bikes. The most common complaints involve riders carrying passengers or towing skaters. Other complaints involve riders who use scooters on busy streets, ride after dark with no lights or reflectors, and alter or remove the muffler to make the scooter louder.
If police officers feel a young rider’s actions warrant intervention, they may confiscate a scooter for 30 days and charge parents with a violation of the parental responsibility portion of the ordinance. Fines for violations will not exceed $100.
Motorized scooters that have been seized but remain unclaimed after 60 days will be sold as unclaimed property.
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
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