Brief Description: Regulating motorized foot scooters.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Horn, Haugen, Swecker and Kline).

Hearing Date: 4/3/03

Staff: Reema Griffith (786-7301).

Background:

Motorized scooters have either internal combustion engines or battery-powered motors and can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Current law regulates bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles, motorcycles and motor-driven cycles, but does not include provisions regarding motorized scooters.

Summary of Bill:

A motorized foot scooter is defined as a device with no more than two ten-inch or smaller diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to either stand or sit on, and is powered by an engine or motor capable of propelling the scooter. It is established that a motorized foot scooter is not, by definition, a motorcycle.

Vehicle licensing and registration provisions do not apply to motorized foot scooters. A driver’s license is not required to operate a motorized foot scooter. These scooters may not be operated at nigh time unless they have reflectors approved by the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

Motorized foot scooters have the same access to highways as bicycles. When signed accordingly, motorized foot scooters may be operated on non-federal funded multi-purpose trails or bicycle lanes. State parks may regulate use of motorized foot scooters within the boundaries of a park. Local jurisdictions may limit access of motorized foot scooters to multipurpose trails or bicycle lanes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.