Cactus Village Community

Motorized Skateboard Laws

Jul 08, 2003

Motorized Skateboard Laws


?“Please Mom, please Dad, all my friends are getting one!?” It seems as though this was the hot conversation, just before Christmas, throughout many neighborhoods. They just had to have that Go-Ped. And you figured, what?’s the harm in getting them what they want.
Well, although Go-Peds can be used safely, there are many times when laws are not heeded and a child is unfortunately injured. Not many people are aware of the laws regarding motorized skate boards.
The following information will tell you what you need to know about the Phoenix city ordinance pertaining to motorized skateboards. This information may prevent you from having to deal with the ordeal of an injured child, or time spent in the city court dealing with civil citations.

City Ordinance:
Section36-64
36-64.A. Prohibited Operation. No Person shall operate a motorized skateboard:
1) On any sidewalk in the city, except in crossing a sidewalk by the most direct route to gain access to a road or driveway.
2) In any city parking structure or city park, exception public roadways with a park.
3) On any public property that has been posted as an area prohibiting skateboards.
4) On any street, roadway or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 mph.
5) On any public property which is not held open to the public for vehicle use.
6) On any private property of another without the written permission of the owner, the person entitled to immediate possession of the property, or any authorized agent, or either.
7) On a public right of way, including streets, roadways and alleyways, except during daylight hours and in no event before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
8) Who is under the age of 14.
9) Who is under the age of 18 on any public property or right of way, unless the person has in their possession written consent signed by their parent or legal guardian, whose signature shall be notorized, an shall contain the following:
A. Name and DOB of the operator
B. Home address of the operator and the parent or guardian
C. Home and work phone number of the parent or guardian
D. The following statement:
?“I am the parent of (insert name of operator) and I authorize him/her to operate a motorized skateboard in the City of Phoenix. I have read and discussed with him/her the regulations regarding the operation of motorized skateboards in Phoenix (Phoenix City Code section 36-64) and have assured myself that the operator understands these regulations.

36-64.B. Operation Restrictions.
1)No person shall operate a motorized skateboard in excess of the posted speed limit or at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances and not greater than 25 mph.
2) The operator of a motorized skateboard crossing a sidewalk or bicycle path or lane shall yield the right of way to all other users.
3) Motorized skateboards may be operated on a path or lane designated as a bicycle path or lane. However, motorized skateboard operators shall yield at all times to other users.
4) No motorized skateboard shall be used to carry passengers when it is in operation or motion.
5) No person shall operate a motorized skateboard shall attach themselves in any manner to another vehicle or person.
6) No person shall operate a motorized skateboard while carrying a package, bundle of article which prevents the operator from keeping both hands on the steering mechanism at all times.
7) No person shall operate a motorized skateboard that has been structurally or mechanically altered from the original manufactures design.
8) No person shall operate a motorized skateboard in a crosswalk.
9) No operator of a motorized skateboard shall transport extra fuel in a separate container or alter the fuel reservoir from the original manufacture design.
10) Persons operation motorized skateboard on a roadway shall not ride more that two abreast.
11) A motorized skateboard shall ride as close a practicable to the right hand curd or edge of the roadway except when passing other vehicles, preparing for a left turn, or when reasonably necessary to avoid hazardous conditions.

36-64.C. Required Safety Equipment
1) No person shall operate a motorized skateboard unless it is equipped with a brake that enables the operator to make a braked wheel(s) skid on a dry pavement.
2) Any person under the age of eighteen operating a motorized skateboard on a roadway shall at all times wear a protective helmet in an appropriate and secured manner. The helmet shall meet minimum standards of testing and safety inspection by the bicycle industry.
3) No person shall operate a motorized skateboard without wearing footwear. The footwear must have a sole and completely cover the feet and toes.
4) The operator shall wear at all times protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shield?…☺

Would you allow your 10, 12, or even 14 year old to drive a car? Of course not, it?’s against the law. Please follow the motorized skateboard laws.