‘Pocket rockets’ face new rules

Twelve-year-old Alex Louie and his friend, Kevin Messer, were enjoying the afternoon Wednesday, zipping up and down East Fairview Avenue on Louie’s “pocket rocket.”

The 2-cycle Suzuki motor bike may be only a couple of feet tall, but even at a top speed of 25 mph, the bike is huge fun for these boys.

They better enjoy it while they can.

On Monday, the Spokane City Council is expected to take up an ordinance putting new regulations on what’s become a proliferation of “motorized personal transportation devices” on city streets. The proposed ordinance includes motorized foot scooters, skateboards and similar devices, but not motorized wheelchairs.

Public testimony will be taken at the 6 p.m. meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The ordinance:

•Sets a minimum age of 16 for operators.

•Requires mufflers, lights and brakes.

•Prohibits use on arterials and trails and in parks and the downtown core.

•Requires operators to obey traffic laws and to wear motorcycle helmets.

•Outlaws passengers.

Custom alterations would be illegal. Dealers would have to inform purchasers of the regulations in writing.

Violation of the ordinance is subject to a standard traffic infraction that carries a maximum fine of $250.

“That’s not fair …” Louie said when informed of the proposal. “Kids buy them at a high price.”

He got his through an Internet purchase for just under $500, he said, after working for his father to raise the money. His parents approved of the purchase, he said.

“I don’t think they should be outlawed because that’s the only thing kids can enjoy,” said Messer, 12.

Across the street, LaLa Gerber was sitting on a neighboring porch. “I don’t like them. They are loud,” said the 28-year-old, who lives in Spokane Valley. “They are really, really annoying.”

Besides, she said, the operators are not licensed drivers and they don’t know the rules of the road.

Councilman Bob Apple said he is listening to Gerber and others who are against these increasingly popular vehicles. “We need to restrict these scooters,” Apple said.

Apple said that the small bikes are difficult for licensed motorists to see, and that operators have been known to dart in and out of traffic. “These things are dangerous,” he said.

They are being used because of an apparent contradiction in state law.

The Washington State Patrol said this week that miniature motorcycles are motorcycles nonetheless, and as such, fall under motor vehicle regulations. They said the bikes are subject to equipment standards and licensing. Plus, operators must have driver’s licenses and motorcycle endorsements, according to a press release issued by the patrol on Tuesday.

In addition, it is a misdemeanor for any person to allow a child under 18 to drive a motor vehicle on a highway without state authorization, the patrol said.

However, the law is not clear.

Another law that went into effect in 2003 allows the use of electrically assisted bicycles and motorized foot scooters.

State Trooper Robert Noack said it appears the state Legislature is going to have to iron out the distinctions between what is legal and what isn’t. He said he personally believes unregulated use of the small vehicles is dangerous.

“It’ll be just a matter of time before we kill a few (riders),” he said.

Lawmakers had considered bills addressing the issue last session but took no action.

Apple said the city is seeking to place as much regulation on the personal motor devices as possible, but it’s up to lawmakers to require licensing and establish better enforcement. He said the state should give cities authority to license the small bikes if the state declines to do so.

“I’ve heard lots of complaints from the public,” he said.

Barry Parish, owner of the Scooter Super Store, 2529 N. Division St., said half of his customers are under age 16 or are parents of children under 16, who will be riding the scooters. He said the city ordinance will force hundreds of owners to either stop riding the bikes or face citations. He said the minimum age should be 12.

“There’s really no similarity between a conventional motorcycle and a scooter,” Parish said. “Most operators of scooters weigh more than the scooters.”

Apple said he wants to protect the safety of both the riders and any licensed drivers who could collide with one of them.