*** Vote on scooters delayed ***

Seattle, Washington -- 06/30/2004
The Seattle City Council delayed a final vote on proposed laws
for gas and electric motorized foot scooters yesterday, giving
council members additional time to consider a last minute addition
to the legislation.

Councilwoman Jan Drago proposed amending
the legislation to ban passengers on the scooters.

Also yesterday, a representative of Feet First, a pedestrian
advocacy group, called on the council to ban motorized
foot scooters within the city.

An outright ban isn't possible under state law, said
Councilman Richard Conlin, who sponsored the city's legislation.

In that case, said David Levinger, executive director of Feet First,
Seattle should match the stricter laws that are in place in cities in
Oregon, California and British Columbia.

The new rules are in response to a "proliferation of neighborhood
concerns" regarding noise and safety issues connected with the
scooters, said Conlin.

Nationwide there were 5,900 accidents last year involving
motorized scooters. In 85 percent of the cases the scooters
were ridden by children under 16 years old, said Conlin.

The proposed city ordinance distinguishes between noisy
gas scooters, the slower electrical scooters and Segways.

Gas scooters would be required to have mufflers.
Both gas and electric types would be required to
have brakes and lights.

The City Council will ask the Seattle King County Public
Health Board, which sets helmet laws, to require helmets
for scooter riders.

The fine for scooter law violations would be $62 said Conlin.

The council is expected to vote on the
legislation when it meets next Tuesday.

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