Section 14-2-4 Motorized Skateboards
A. Definition. A “motorized skateboard” is defined as a self-propelled device having a motor, a deck on which a person may ride and at least two (2) tandem wheels in contact with the ground which is not otherwise defined under Arizona law (A.R.S. Title 28) as a “motor-driven cycle” or “motorized wheelchair.”
B. Anyone in the Town who is fourteen (14) years of age or older may operate a motorized skateboard. However, anyone under the age of eighteen (18) is prohibited from operating a motorized skateboard on any public property or right-of-way, unless the person has in his or her possession written consent signed by his or her parent or legal guardian, whose signature shall be notarized. The written consent 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. Home and/or work telephone number of the parent or guardian.
4. The following statement:
I am the parent (or legal guardian) of (insert name of operator) and authorize him or her to operate a motorized skateboard in the Town of Clarkdale. I have read and discussed with him or her the regulations regarding the operation of motorized skateboards in the Town of Clarkdale, and have assured myself the operator understands these regulations.
C. Motorized skateboards are prohibited:
1. On any sidewalk in the Town.
2. In any Town parking areas, Town parks or the Town Hall complex property.
3. On any public property posted as an area prohibited to skateboards.
4. On any street, roadway or highway with a posted speed limit of greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.
5. On any public property not held open to public vehicle use.
6. On any private property without the written permission of the owner.
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.
D. Traffic laws such as those regulating red lights, stop signs, crosswalks, speeding, yielding, and movements on the roadway also apply to motorized skateboards.
E. Motorized skateboards may be operated on a designated bicycle path or lane, but motorized skateboard operators shall yield at all times to other users. The following is also prohibited:
1. Carrying passengers.
2. Attaching a motorized skateboard in any manner to any other vehicle or person.
3. Carrying any package or bundle preventing the operator from keeping his or her hands on the steering mechanism.
4. Structurally or mechanically altering the original manufacturer’s design.
5. Transporting extra fuel in a separate container or altering the fuel reservoir.
6. Riding motorized skateboards two (2) abreast on a roadway.
F. Motorized skateboard operators are required to ride as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except when passing other vehicles, preparing for or executing a left turn, or when reasonably necessary to avoid hazardous conditions.
G. The required safety equipment is as follows:
1. A brake enabling the operator to make a braked wheel(s) skid on dry pavement.
2. A protective helmet (if the operator is under age eighteen (18)) which meets the minimum standards of testing and safety inspection by the bicycle industry.
3. Footwear completely covering the feet and toes and including a sole.
4. Protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shield.
H. Violations of this section are civil traffic violations and will be prosecuted and punished in the same manner by law as other civil traffic violations. Parents are ultimately responsible for the actions and safety of their children. No parent, guardian or custodian of a child under eighteen (18) years of age shall authorize or knowingly permit the child to violate this section. [Ordinance #372, 2016; Resolution #1516, 2016; prior code § 14-2-4.]