The Arizona Republic, 2-8-05
SCOTTSDALE - Scottsdale officials may add to the woes of
Northeast Valley children who love their motorized scooters when they vote
tonight to pursue either a ban or stringent restrictions on the
contraptions.
If the Scottsdale City Council passes a ban, Scottsdale would join Phoenix and Tucson in eliminating what some residents and city officials consider a noisy and dangerous toy for teenagers.
"It bothers me to see them on the road and sidewalks," said Councilwoman Betty Drake, who asked the council to address the topic.
If the Scottsdale City Council passes a ban, Scottsdale would join Phoenix and Tucson in eliminating what some residents and city officials consider a noisy and dangerous toy for teenagers.
"It bothers me to see them on the road and sidewalks," said Councilwoman Betty Drake, who asked the council to address the topic.
"There has certainly been a lot of discussion about these
things in bike lanes."
Lisa Haskell, who lives near 71st and Oak streets, said many residents in her neighborhood would likely support a ban.
"They disturb people and are annoying," she said. "Neighbors have just had it."
This will be the first time Scottsdale has reviewed its rules for motorized skateboards since 1996, when the city established a number of regulations.
The devices are called Go-Peds, motorized skateboards and scooters, but Scottsdale defines them as a "self-propelled device, which has a motor, a deck on which a person may ride and at least (2) wheels in contact with the ground."
At this point, people using motorized skateboards must:
• Be at least 14 years old, and wear a helmet and closed shoes if under 18.
• Stay off roadways with a speed limit greater than 25 mph.
• Stay off sidewalks, bicycle paths, bike lanes, crosswalks and Scottsdale's path system.
• Must have written permission to use on private property.
• Not take passengers or ride more than two abreast.
Lisa Haskell, who lives near 71st and Oak streets, said many residents in her neighborhood would likely support a ban.
"They disturb people and are annoying," she said. "Neighbors have just had it."
This will be the first time Scottsdale has reviewed its rules for motorized skateboards since 1996, when the city established a number of regulations.
The devices are called Go-Peds, motorized skateboards and scooters, but Scottsdale defines them as a "self-propelled device, which has a motor, a deck on which a person may ride and at least (2) wheels in contact with the ground."
At this point, people using motorized skateboards must:
• Be at least 14 years old, and wear a helmet and closed shoes if under 18.
• Stay off roadways with a speed limit greater than 25 mph.
• Stay off sidewalks, bicycle paths, bike lanes, crosswalks and Scottsdale's path system.
• Must have written permission to use on private property.
• Not take passengers or ride more than two abreast.
Ban Requires Ordinance
If Scottsdale council members decide to pursue a ban, then
city employees would draft an ordinance over the next six months for final
consideration.
But the council may simply clamp down with tighter regulations. Proposals include raising the age of operation to 16 from 14, requiring a driver's or learner's permit, and requiring retailers to disclose the restrictions to consumers.
Most council members appeared to approve of doing something to alleviate the potential for danger and disruption.
Councilman Bob Littlefield said that a total ban seemed to be "extreme," although he is worried about the safety issue.
"They are certainly noisy and they're a pain," he said.
Drake and others pointed to a Go-Ped accident in October 2003 that killed a 13-year-old Scottsdale boy who collided with a dump truck near 115th Street and Desert Cove Avenue.
"I'm anxious to hear what both sides have to say," said Councilman Wayne Ecton, who added that he has "mixed emotions" about a ban. "My first reaction is that it needs to be as constrained and regulated as we can make it."
But the council may simply clamp down with tighter regulations. Proposals include raising the age of operation to 16 from 14, requiring a driver's or learner's permit, and requiring retailers to disclose the restrictions to consumers.
Most council members appeared to approve of doing something to alleviate the potential for danger and disruption.
Councilman Bob Littlefield said that a total ban seemed to be "extreme," although he is worried about the safety issue.
"They are certainly noisy and they're a pain," he said.
Drake and others pointed to a Go-Ped accident in October 2003 that killed a 13-year-old Scottsdale boy who collided with a dump truck near 115th Street and Desert Cove Avenue.
"I'm anxious to hear what both sides have to say," said Councilman Wayne Ecton, who added that he has "mixed emotions" about a ban. "My first reaction is that it needs to be as constrained and regulated as we can make it."
* Reach the reporter at
lesley.wright@scottsdalerepublic.com or (602) 444-6883.
** Link to the
original article at;
* * * *
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