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City declines first reading of scooter ordinance after debate on regulation and education
Summary
Council considered Ordinance 25‑005 to regulate motorized scooters and related devices on Main and Federal streets but voted against adoption on first reading after councilors raised enforcement, definition and education issues.
Riverton City Council debated Ordinance 25‑005, which would have amended Riverton Municipal Code section 10.12.0.15 to add motorized scooters and similar devices to the set of prohibited uses on specified downtown corridors. Police and staff said the item was prompted by officer observations and a small number of public complaints about scooters operating in traffic lanes and on sidewalks.
Police Chief Hurtado described safety concerns and asked the council to consider a measured regulatory approach to prevent accidents. Council members questioned how to define motorized devices consistently—electric kick scooters, motorized skateboards and electric bicycles differ by power source and speed—and whether an ordinance that targets one device category would become obsolete as technology evolves. Several council members argued the issue is primarily one of education, not immediate prohibition; others said a narrowly written disruptive‑conduct standard (impeding traffic, reckless operation) would be preferable to device‑specific bans.
After discussion the council voted on the ordinance on first reading. The motion to adopt Ordinance 25‑005 on first reading failed.
What happened next: the council declined to adopt a device‑specific prohibition at this time and directed staff to continue monitoring incidents and return if tangible public‑safety issues increase. Some members expressed willingness to consider targeted rules or education campaigns—particularly around the downtown/Main Street and Federal Avenue corridors—if rental programs or heavy local use emerges.
