A measure to regulate motorized foot scooters was introduced Monday, Sept. 20 to the Snohomish County Council at a regular meeting of the Law and Justice Committee.
“The number of calls that our offices have received with regard to safety, noise and traffic complaints has been overwhelming,” said County Council member Jeff Sax. “Clearly there is a need for some type of regulation and we will be examining the possibilities over the next few months.”
The draft ordinance proposed that riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a scooter that has a muffler and must wear a helmet. Violators would be subject to a ticket for a traffic infraction.
The County Council is currently considering whether or not the parents of minors in violation would be held accountable for their children’s actions.
“Primary concerns raised are the fact that these scooters do not have a muffler and their riders are unfamiliar with basic traffic laws,” Sax said. “The intention of this measure is to educate our kids and their parents how to operate scooters in a safe and responsible manner.”
The ordinance originated in the sheriff’s office, at the direction of the County Council and constituents. If adopted, it will be the first county-wide ordinance in Washington state. Multiple cities, including Lynnwood, Everett, Stanwood and Lake Stevens, have already adopted scooter regulations. Mill Creek and Edmonds are considering similar rules.
Other provisions in the ordinance include that scooters may not be operated in county property, including parks, on sidewalks or on paths not marked for bicycle traffic or on roads with speed limits above 25 mph.
The Council will again consider the motion at the next regular meeting of the Law and Justice Committee on Oct. 18.
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