Cactus Village Community

Motorized Skateboards

What Every Parent Needs to Know

There are many rules and regulations that apply that you need to be aware of.

Phoenix City Code 36-64 states that:
"No person shall operate a motorized skateboard:"

• On any sidewalk, except in crossing to gain access to a road or driveway.
• In any city parking structure or city park. except on public roadways within a park.
• On any public property that has been posted as an area prohibiting skateboards.
• On any street, roadway or highway, with a posted speed limit of greater that 25 mph.
• On any public property, which is not held open to the public for vehicle use.
• On any private property of another without the written permission of the owner.
• On any 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.
• Who is under the age of fourteen (14).
• Who is under the age of eighteen (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 notarized and shall contain the following:

1. Name and Date of Birth of the Operator
2. Home address of the operator and the parent or guardian
3. Guardian’s home and work telephone number of the parents or
guardian
4. The following ‘Statement’:

• Required Statement In ‘Their’ Possession

“I am the parent (or legal guardian) of (insert name of the operator) and 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.”

>>>Operating Restrictions<<<

• 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 then existing and in no event greater than twenty-five miles an hour.
• The operator of a motorized skateboard crossing a sidewalk or bicycle path or lane shall yield the right-of-way to all other users.
• 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.
• No motorized skateboards shall be used to carry passengers when it is in operation or motion.
• No person operating a motorized skateboard shall attach themselves in any manner to any other vehicle or person.
• No person operating a motorized skateboard while carrying any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping both hands on the steering mechanism at all times.
• No person shall operate a motorized skateboard that has been structurally or mechanically altered from the original manufacturer’s design.
• No person shall operate a motorized skateboard in a cross walk.
• No operator of a motorized skateboard shall transport extra fuel in a separate container or
alter the fuel reservoir from the original manufacturer’s design.
• Person’s operating motorized skateboards shall not ride more than two abreast.
• A motorized skateboard shall ride as close aspracticable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except when passing other vehicles, preparing for a left-hand turn, or when reasonably necessary to avoid hazardous conditions.

>>> Required Safety Equipment <<<

• 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.
• Any person under the age of eighteen (18) operating a motorized skateboard on a roadway shall at all times wear a protective helmet in an appropriate and safely secured manner. The helmet shall meet minimum standards of testing and safety inspection by the bicycle industry.
• No person shall operate a motorized. skateboard without wearing footwear. The footwear must have a sole and completely cover the feet and toes.
• The operator of a motorized skateboard shall wear at all times protective glasses, goggles or a transparent face shield.


>>> PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY <<<

• No person shall, as a parent, guardian or custodian of a child under eighteen years of age, authorize or knowingly permit the child to violate this section.

****** Editorial Comment: ******
“Based upon the number of complaints received, there are a few ‘operators’ that are misusing their vehicles. The parents of these kids need to take control and insure their compliance to the law. Safety should be of greatest concern, and being forewarned is forearmed. Follow-ups will be made and the parents will be held responsible”.