AzMotorNews

Planning on putting a motorized scooter under your Christmas tree?

Think twice if you live in Phoenix. The toys, popular gifts for children and adults, are officially banned from city streets and sidewalks as of this week.

With the move, Phoenix joins other Valley cities in restricting scooter use. Glendale and Tucson have similar rules. In Mesa, the scooters are allowed only during certain hours.

Phoenix's new regulation means scooters, commonly referred to as pocket bikes, can't be used on any kind of public land, including parks and alleys. And they can be used on private property only with the owner's written consent.

Violators face a traffic citation. Parents whose children are cited are just as liable, even if they didn't know their kids were using the scooters in an inappropriate manner or place.

The rules take effect immediately.

"They are not safe for the roadway," said Erica Odello, who co-owns the Arizona Pocketbike Racing Association. "You are 18 inches off the ground; most don't have turn signals or rearview mirrors.

"There is no reason they should be on the street."

The new regulations apply to any "motorized vehicle that is self-propelled by a motor or engine," whether it be gas or electric, according to the ordinance. The toys can reach speeds of up to 50 mph.

In addition, Phoenix's new rules say that anyone who sells a motorized scooter or bike must inform a potential buyer of the ban and post a sign detailing where the toys can and can't be used.

Phoenix's decision comes at a bad time for residents like Gary Hale, who just purchased one of the bikes as a Christmas present for his 15-year-old daughter, Kristen.

Local officials have the discretion to regulate motorized skateboards because state Motor Vehicle Division officials have said they don't fall under state law.

Phoenix leaders believe the bikes are akin to motorcycles that don't meet all the safety requirements for motorcycles. Therefore, officials decided they should not be on public streets.

"We've been getting (complaints) for years," said City Council member Dave Siebert, adding that enforcement "without using the heavy hand of the law just hasn't worked."

In Mesa, bikes can be used only from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and riders must be at least 14. Anyone under the age of 17 must also wear a helmet and have a parent's permission before operating the toy.

The bikes are also allowed in Scottsdale, but because they are not considered vehicles, riders must adhere to the same rules as pedestrians, officials said.

James Collins, who lives in Mesa, said Phoenix leaders are being "micro-managers" and that he's glad that his city doesn't have a similar ban: "If (they) are regulated properly with a permit, safety class certificates and limitations on noise and speed, (they) can work safely."

* Written by Ginger D. Richardson for The Arizona Republic, 12-17-04. Reporters Justin Juozapavicius, Monica Alonzo-Dunsmoor and Lesley Wright also contributed to this article.