LAKE STEVENS – There are new laws in town for those who ride motorized scooters, and police want people to be aware of them before scooters start showing up under Christmas trees.
Last December, the City Council added motorized scooters to the city’s helmet law, but later decided more regulations were warranted, Police Chief Randy Celori said.
“We tried to cover potential recreational wheeled devices that may arise in the future,” he said. “We looked at what a number of other cities in Snohomish County and Seattle have done.”
The chief said police will work with the Lake Stevens School District and the Boys &Girls Club and will distribute fliers to those under age 18 who might be affected by the law.
The language in the law is aimed at reducing “cruising,” when operators ride up and down in the same area and the noise from the gas-powered engines irks residents.
“That has been the number one complaint,” Lake Stevens administrative supervisor Heather Coleman said.
The rules cover gas-powered and electric scooters. Among the rules:
* Scooters cannot be operated on city streets unless the rider is 16 or older.
* The operator may not carry passengers or tow any device.
* Scooters may not be operated on a street with a speed limit over 25 mph unless they are in a designated bike lane.
* Scooters may not be operated on city property except streets. Riding in parks, on sidewalks, trails or paths is prohibited.
* They may not be operated from sunset to sunrise.
* It is unlawful to sell or operate a motorized scooter that is not equipped with a muffler.
Adult riders are subject to a $101 fine for improper operation of motorized scooters. For riders younger than 18, police may confiscate the scooter or release it to an adult. Only a parent or guardian can reclaim confiscated scooters upon payment of a $60 impound fee.
The amended law does not cover pocket bikes or pocket rockets, which look like small motorcycles. Those are not legal to operate on public streets under state law and their use must be confined to private property.
“We’ve had trouble with a couple of pocket bikes on the road driven by boys about 14,” Coleman said. “People think it’s a toy and not a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, because it’s so low to the ground, it’s poorly visible to other motor vehicles.”
Police fear pocket bikes on roads would result in tragic accidents such as the one earlier this year when a Stanwood boy died after the pocket bike he was riding hit a truck.
Police have seen very young riders on motorized scooters, Coleman said.
“We have two or three in town that I see on a regular basis,” she said. “In Lake Stevens right now, I think it’s a mode of transportation for kids of well-to-do families.”
The educational campaign will include information on the city’s Channel 28 and also on the city Web site, www.ci. lake-stevens.wa.us, Coleman said.
“We try not to be heavy-handed,” she said. “We’ll do a lot of education. We’d really much rather just have people follow the rules so we don’t have to enforce them. These rules are designed for safety.”
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