Motorized skateboards.

Existing law prohibits a motorized skateboard from being propelled on any sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail. Under existing law, a violation of this provision, or of a local ordinance adopted pursuant to this provision, is an infraction. This bill would authorize an electrically motorized skateboard to be propelled in a bicycle lane or on a bikeway or bicycle path or trail if it has an electric motor with a power output of not more than 1,000 watts that is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level, and meets other criteria, as specified. The bill would authorize a local government authority to adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution prohibiting or restricting persons from propelling an electrically motorized skateboard in a bicycle lane or on a bikeway or bicycle path or trail. Because a violation of this provision, or failure to comply with a local ordinance adopted pursuant to this provision, would be an infraction, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a manufacturer of a motorized skateboard doing business in this state to provide a disclosure to each consumer that advises the consumer that an existing insurance policy may not provide coverage for use of motorized skateboards, as specified. Because a failure to comply with this provision would be an infraction, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would also make conforming changes. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.