North Bend adopts tougher motorized scooter rules — lowers age, sets sidewalk speed limit, adds impoundment and penalties
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Summary
After extended debate and multiple amendments, the City Council adopted an ordinance tightening rules for motorized foot scooters: the allowable minimum age was set at 12 (staff proposal), sidewalk speeds were capped at 15 mph, and operation in bike lanes was allowed up to 25 mph; the ordinance adds impoundment and penalties.
The North Bend City Council on Oct. 21 approved an ordinance amending North Bend Municipal Code to regulate motorized foot scooters, after a lengthy public deliberation and several council amendments. The final vote was 6-1 in favor.
The ordinance amends NBMC 10.20.020 (general requirements and operation) and adds NBMC 10.20.050 (impoundment and penalties). The staff proposal presented by James Henderson would: lower the lawful operating age from 16 to 12, reduce the lawful speed from 25 mph to 15 mph, and allow use of motorized foot scooters on sidewalks and public trails; it also added language authorizing impoundment and monetary penalties for violations.
Council debated multiple amendments on the floor. Council member Torgerson moved to revert the age back to 16; that amendment failed. Later the council adopted an amendment specifying speed limits and operating locations: it is unlawful to operate a motorized foot scooter in excess of 15 miles per hour on sidewalks (and public trails governed by the city code), while allowing operation within designated bicycle lanes at speeds not to exceed 25 miles per hour; the ordinance also prohibits operation on roadways with posted speed limits greater than 25 mph except within designated bicycle lanes. The council voted 6-1 to approve the ordinance as amended.
Supporters said the changes respond to documented unsafe riding and increasing scooter use in parks and sidewalks; Council member Rustic said the ordinance provides clearer rules and better safety for riders and pedestrians. Opponents expressed concern about lowering the age to 12 and about potential enforcement burdens; one council member said many jurisdictions set the age at 16. Council ultimately rejected restoring the age to 16 and approved the ordinance with the sidewalk/bike-lane speed language.
The ordinance also establishes penalties and authorizes impoundment for scooters operated in violation of the new chapter. Staff and the police chief said outreach and public education would accompany implementation; the code change gives local enforcement options in addition to state laws.
Implementation: The ordinance was adopted as a first and final reading and takes effect per municipal code timing; staff indicated they will coordinate public outreach and enforcement steps with the police department and public communications.
