In response to concerns raised by the community about safety and excessive noise, the City Council recently discussed the use of motorized foot scooters in Shoreline.
City staff updated Council members on current regulations in Shoreline and the state of Washington regarding motorized foot scooters. Currently, there are limited state regulations on motorized foot scooters in Washington. The state legislature is expected to consider additional regulation this year.
“The City of Shoreline supports having the state set regulations for motorized foot scooters as it does with other motorized vehicles,” said city manager Steve Burkett. “State regulation would ensure that rules are consistent across jurisdictional borders.”
In Shoreline, residents currently do not need a license or insurance to ride a motorized foot scooter. In general, riders of motorized foot scooters are required to follow the same rules as bicycles. There are, however, a few exceptions:
• Motorized foot scooters are not allowed on the Interurban Trail in Shoreline.
• Motorized foot scooters are not allowed in city parks unless otherwise posted.
• Motorized foot scooter riders may not ride half an hour before sunrise or half an hour after sunset without reflectors approved by the Washington State Patrol.
• Riders must follow all the rules of the road, including not running stop signs, no riding recklessly, and no riding faster than the speed limit. Riders who break the rules may be given a traffic ticket.
The following are some tips to improve safety while riding a motorized foot scooter:
• Always wear a helmet. This protection continues to be the best insurance for riders against serious injury or death.
• Due to the noise produced by the gas powered scooters, riders are asked to not ride during quiet hours, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. in consideration of the general public. The production of a “public disturbance noise” as defined in the Shoreline Municipal Code is illegal and is subject to a civil infraction and corresponding fines upwards of $250.
• Only ride on residential roads with speed limits 25 mph or less. Avoid major roads such as Aurora, Greenwood, 145th, 175th, 185th and 205th streets, Richmond Beach Rd., 15th, Fifth and 25th avenues NE.
• Always ride in bicycle lanes when available and avoid sidewalks if possible.
• Never ride two people on one scooter or ride with another person in tow.
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