MARYSVILLE – Early in November, the City Council will receive a recommendation from a special committee appointed to explore what type of regulation the city should require for motorized scooters.
The committee will recommend that anyone younger than 16 who operates a motorized scooter must do so only under the direct visual supervision of a parent or guardian, and the responsible adult must see that the rider wears a helmet approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Motorized scooters may not be ridden on roads where the speed limit exceeds 25 mph, nor on any prohibited roads, including State Avenue and Fourth Street, under the committee’s recommendation.
The council will discuss the proposed law in a workshop Monday, and is likely to act on it Nov. 8.
“We want to allow people to enjoy riding these scooters, but we also want to ensure that we’re protecting them, as well as everyone else,” Marysville Police Chief Bob Carden said.
Council member Jeff Vaughan heads the committee that has reviewed motorized scooter laws from other communities and developed the recommended ordinance for Marysville.
The committee also reviewed state law to try to determine what rules would be most applicable to the city, Vaughan said.
Other recommendations for the new ordinance include:
* Motorized scooters would not be allowed on sidewalks, walkways, public trails or other places where motor vehicles are prohibited, or be operated on public property in a manner that could harm the rider or others, or in a way that violates criminal or traffic laws.
* Violations would constitute an infraction, with a fine of $100 and possible confiscation of the scooter, at the officer’s discretion. For riders under 16, the parent or guardian would be responsible for the ticket.
* Left turns would require riders to walk the scooter across the road, in a crosswalk, if available.
* Riders would be required to walk the scooter across arterial streets or those with a maximum speed limit greater than 25 mph.
* During hours of darkness, scooters must be equipped with a lamp on the front and a red reflector on the back.
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
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