(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definition applies unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER. A device with handlebars designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion, and that has no more than two 12-inch or smaller diameter wheels and has an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 mph on a flat surface with not more than 1% grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. An electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized bicycle, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER.
(B) Operation of a motorized foot scooter on city bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, bicycle trails, or bikeways is prohibited except as provided in division (C) below.
(C) The City Council may, by resolution, designate specific bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, bicycle trails, or bikeways as available for use by motorized foot scooters.
(D) Every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall have all rights and duties applicable to the operator of a bicycle, except in respect to those provisions relating expressly to motorized foot scooters and in respect to those provisions of law that by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to motorized foot scooters.
(E) No person may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. No person may operate a motorized foot scooter that is carrying any person other than the operator.
(F) No person under the age of 12 years may operate a motorized foot scooter.
(G) No person under the age of 18 years may operate a motorized foot scooter without wearing properly fitted and fastened protective headgear that complies with standards established by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
(H) A motorized foot scooter must be equipped with a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the Commissioner of Public Safety if the vehicle is operated under conditions when vehicle lights are required by law.
(I) A person operating a motorized foot scooter on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except in the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(2) When preparing for a left turn, in which case the operator shall stop and dismount at the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, and shall complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to restrictions placed by law on pedestrians; and/or
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid impediments or conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes.
(Ord. 74, passed 4-13-2021; Ord. passed 4-8-2023; Ord. 74, passed 8-8-2023) Penalty, see § 70.99