12.11.020 Rules of Operation.
(1) Age. No person may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a public right-of-way unless such person is sixteen (16) years of age or older.
(2) Duty to Obey Traffic Control Devices and Rules of the Road. Any person operating a motorized foot scooter shall obey all rules of the road applicable to vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian traffic, including the duty to visibly signal all turns, 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) Prohibited Areas. Motorized foot scooters are prohibited from being operated in the central business district, as that term is defined in Pullman City Code Section 12.10.070; in City parks; on City bicycle paths, multipurpose paths or walking trails; and on any City street with a maximum speed limit of twenty-five (25) miles per hour or greater; and as prohibited by Section 12.10.070.
(4) Operation During Daylight Hours Only. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated during the period of time between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.
(5) Helmets Required. Any person operating a motorized foot scooter in the City of Pullman shall wear an approved helmet designed for safety that meets or exceeds the requirements of standard Z.90.4 set by the American National Standard Institute, or a subsequent nationally recognized standard for helmet performance as the City may adopt. The helmet shall be worn over the head and equipped with either a neck or chin strap that shall be fastened securely while the motorized foot scooter is in motion.
(6) No Passengers or Towing Permitted. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated when a passenger or any person other than the operator is on the riding platform, handlebars or any other part of a motorized foot scooter; nor shall a motorized foot scooter be operated as a towing device for any person or thing.
(7) Reflectors Required. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated on the public rights-of-way without first having affixed visible reflectors of a type approved by the Washington State Patrol.
(8) Engine Kill Switch and Muffler Required. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated on the public rights-of-way without first being equipped with an engine kill switch device. Operation of a motorized foot scooter without a muffling device, or operation with a modified muffling device is unlawful.
(9) Negligent Operation Prohibited. No motorized foot scooter shall be operated in a negligent manner. For purposes of this Chapter, “negligent operation” or “operation in a negligent manner” shall mean operation of a motorized foot scooter in such a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property; or to obstruct, hinder or impede the lawful course of travel of any motor vehicle; or to obstruct, hinder or impede the lawful use by any pedestrian of public streets, sidewalks, alleys, parking areas, pedestrian or bicycle trails or public parks within the City of Pullman.
(10) Responsibility of Operators, Parents and Guardians. No person shall do any act forbidden by this Chapter or fail to perform any act required in this Chapter. The parent or guardian of any child or ward twelve (12) years of age or younger shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter. Where an operator of a motorized foot scooter is in violation of this Chapter, and is twelve (12) years of age or younger, the parent or guardian of any child or ward twelve (12) years of age or younger shall be liable for any and all penalties imposed upon a finding that a civil infraction has been committed by said child or ward. (Ord. 04-34 §2, 2004).