Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

HB 1704

Brief Description:  Regulating motorized scooters.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cooper, Hankins, Dunshee, Murray and Tokuda.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Motorized scooters are defined and their use is regulated.

Hearing Date:  2/19/01

Staff:  Penny Nerup (786‑7335).

Background: 

Recently, use of motorized scooters has become very popular.  However, there are no specific state laws regulating their use.

Summary of Bill: 

Motorized scooters are defined and their use is regulated.  In brief, a motorized scooter is a two-wheeled device that has handlebars, is powered by an electric or gasoline motor, and is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.  For licensing and registration purposes, motorized scooters are classified as a vehicle but not as a motor vehicle.

Cities and towns may, by ordinance, regulate and license motorized scooters and collect fees for licensing; fines can be collected for violations of the ordinance.  Cities and towns may also prohibit the use of motorized scooters on any multipurpose trail or bicycle lane in their jurisdiction.

Motorized scooters can be operated on multipurpose trails or bicycle lanes, unless prohibited by local ordinance, and upon a highway with a speed limit of 25 mph or less but cannot be operated on freeways, highways with a speed limit greater than 25 mph, sidewalks, bicycle trails, equestrian trails, or hiking or recreational trails.  Motorized scooters must ride within a bicycle lane of a highway, unless prohibited by local ordinance.

Motorized scooters cannot be operated while under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

Procedures for operating a motorized scooter after dark are detailed, as are procedures for making turns.

Motorized scooters must operate so that the motor is disengaged when the brakes are applied or when a switch or mechanism is released.  Brakes must enable the operator to make a wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

Operators of motorized scooters must wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

Operators of motorized scooters must be 16 years old or older.

Motorized scooters cannot be operated with a passenger; while carrying a package that prevents the operator from having one hand on the handlebars; or while attached to another vehicle on the roadway.

Motorized scooters cannot be operated at a speed greater than 15 mph.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 13, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.