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Council approves ban on motorized scooters on Oceanfront Walk after public‑safety testimony
Summary
The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance banning motorized scooters on the Oceanfront Walk and bike path after residents and police described noise, pollution and safety problems; vote recorded as 12 ayes
The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance on April 25 prohibiting motorized scooters on the Oceanfront Walk and associated bike path, after residents and police described collisions, high noise and safety concerns.
Carol Berman, a Venice resident, told the council the oceanfront walk was crowded and that motorized scooters were noisy and unsafe for pedestrians and elderly users. "They really ... scoot along as if they were in the Grand Prix," she said. Bill Greenslade and Captain Williams of the local police described pollution and repeated collisions; the captain said the path is too crowded for motorized scooters and officers have seen serious collisions.
Council members held a public hearing and then the council placed the ordinance on the roll. The item carried with a roll‑call tally recorded as 12 ayes; the clerk announced the measure was "approved forthwith."
Speakers and council members emphasized the decision was driven by public‑safety concerns and by testimony that the path regularly draws large weekend crowds and mixed uses (pedestrians, bicyclists and rollerbladers). The ordinance covers both gas and electric motorized scooters, per city staff description during the hearing.
No specific civil penalties or enforcement schedule were debated in detail during the hearing; councilmembers asked staff to carry out implementation and enforcement planning following approval.
