Title
Supervisor Novasel recommending the Board direct the appropriate staff to explore the feasibility of amending Chapter 10.32-Vehicle Regulations on Trail Facilities of the County ordinance code to permit motorized scooters on County trail facilities. (Est. Time: 10 Min.)
Body
BACKGROUND
The current County ordinance code pertaining to Vehicle Regulations on Trail Facilities prohibits the use of motorized scooters on trail facilities, however "Class 1 and Class 2" electric bicycles are permitted (code section 10.32.030 (D)) provided the electric bicycle complies with State Vehicle Code section 312.5. This matter requests the Board provide direction to staff to examine the feasibility of amending the County ordinance to also permit motorized (electric) scooters that do not exceed 20 miles per hour on trail facilities.
California State Vehicle Code section 407.5 defines a motorized scooters as "any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also have a driver seat that does not interfere with the ability of the rider to stand and ride and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion."
In contrast, State Vehicle Code section 312.5 defines an electric bike as "a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts" and provides for a description of electric bicycles as follows:
(1) A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
(2) A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 m...
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