Issaquah latest to try curbing motor scooters

By Ashley Bach
Seattle Times Eastside bureau

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Come July 5, riders of gas-powered scooters in Issaquah must be at least 14 years old and must stay off sidewalks and streets with higher speed limits.

A similar ordinance was passed by the Seattle City Council's Transportation Committee yesterday and is scheduled for a vote by the full council Monday. Councilman Richard Conlin, sponsor of the proposed Seattle ordinance, said he expects it will be approved and will take effect by Aug. 1.

Auburn passed a scooter ordinance earlier this month, and Bellevue and Kirkland are considering restrictions.

Motorized scooters — essentially skateboards with handlebars and engines — have become more popular recently, and police have received complaints about reckless drivers and excessive noise, especially from the louder, faster gas-powered models, Seattle and Issaquah officials say.

"This is something that parents really need to know about before they allow their kids to get involved," Conlin said.

Issaquah began working on an ordinance last year, but the issue became more pressing after many kids received scooters for Christmas, Police Chief Dave Draveling said. Then in May, a 15-year-old boy was seriously injured when his scooter hit a sidewalk dip and he flew into the path of a car.

"The accident, especially on Front Street during a busy time, was kind of a wake-up call that we needed to do something soon," said Issaquah City Council President Nancy Davidson.

Now the gas scooters will be allowed only on streets with a speed limit no higher than 25 mph, including Front Street North, Sunset Way and most neighborhood streets. King County law already requires helmets, but the city added a helmet requirement to reinforce the point. A headlight and rear reflector are required at night.

In Seattle, the current proposal sets a minimum age of 16 for users of gas scooters. They wouldn't be allowed to travel on sidewalks or public paths, including the Burke-Gilman Trail. A muffler, brakes and night lighting would be required.

The Seattle law also goes further than Issaquah's by limiting the use of electric scooters and Segway vehicles. They would be barred from public paths, bike lanes and busy streets, but could remain on sidewalks and most streets with lower speed limits.
 
Yale Wong, the owner of Galaxy Scooters in Seattle, says the age requirement would cut his thriving business by at least a third. He said he currently sells about 100 scooters a month. Kids under 16 want a scooter because they don't have a driver's license.

"Why are you going to buy a scooter when you can get a car now?" Wong said.

Earlier this month, Auburn passed restrictions for gas and electric scooters. Riders there must be at least 16, stay out of downtown and city parks, and off sidewalks and streets with a speed limit higher than 25 mph.

In Issaquah, police said they will focus in the beginning on casual warnings and educating people about the new rules. But violators could be fined $50.

"One of the best opportunities for [scooter users], to keep this from being more of a problem in Issaquah, is to exercise good judgment," said Councilman Hank Thomas.

Ashley Bach: 206-464-2567 or abach@seattletimes.com