11.48.210 Motorized foot scooters.
A. Definitions.
1. “Motorized foot scooter” means a device with no more than two 10-inch or smaller diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.
B. Regulations and Restrictions.
1. In addition to any regulations or restrictions imposed under state law, the use of motorized foot scooters within the city of Bellevue must comply with the following regulations and restrictions:
a. Motorized foot scooters may not be used on sidewalks or within city parks or unauthorized trail systems.
b. Motorized foot scooters may not be used on public rights-of-way with speed limits greater than 25 miles per hour.
c. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated between the hours of one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
d. The operator of a motorized foot scooter must be at least 14 years old to use a motorized foot scooter upon allowed public rights-of-way.
e. Any person operating a motorized foot scooter upon any public area in the city of Bellevue shall wear an approved helmet designed for safety and shall have either a neck or chin strap of the helmet fastened securely while the motorized foot scooter is in motion.
f. Operation of a scooter shall be limited to one rider.
2. Any person operating a motorized foot scooter shall obey all rules of the road applicable to vehicle traffic, as well as the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
3. No motorized foot scooter shall be ridden in a negligent or unsafe manner but shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons.
C. Penalty for Violation. A violation of any provision of this chapter is a traffic infraction punishable by the imposition of a monetary penalty of not more than $250.00, exclusive of statutory assessments; provided, that conduct that constitutes a criminal traffic offense may be charged as such and is subject to the maximum penalties allowed for such offenses. Community service hours may be imposed in lieu of a monetary penalty.
D. If any one or more sections, subsections or sentences of this section are held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this section and the same shall remain in full force and effect. (Ord. 5758 § 1, 2007.)