Vehicles: motorized scooters.

Existing law defines a motorized scooter as any 2-wheeled device that has handlebars, either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor. Existing law prohibits a person from operating a motorized scooter in excess of 15 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits an operator of a motorized scooter under 18 years of age from operating a motorized scooter without a specified bicycle helmet and requires a manufacturer of a motorized scooter to provide a disclosure to buyers that existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for a motorized scooter. Under existing law, a violation or failure to comply with a provision of the Vehicle Code constitutes an infraction. This bill would change the definition of a motorized scooter by including 3-wheeled devices, limiting its maximum weight to 200 pounds and width to 3 feet, and specifying that it is powered by a motor that ceases to provide power at 20 miles per hour. The bill would require a manufacturer of a motorized scooter to apply a sticker to certain motorized scooters certifying the scooter is capable of achieving braking requirements, as specified, and would prohibit a person from operating a motorized scooter that does not have that certifying sticker and, if the scooter is capable of exceeding 15 miles per hour, a speedometer in good working order. The bill would prohibit a person from operating a motorized scooter in excess of 15 miles per hour while standing up or in excess of 20 miles per hour while sitting down. Existing law, the Three Feet for Safety Act, requires the driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on a highway to pass in compliance with specified requirements applicable to overtaking and passing a vehicle, and to do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, and the surface and width of the highway. Existing law prohibits, with specified exceptions, the driver of the motor vehicle that is overtaking or passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway from passing at a distance of less than 3 feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator. Existing law establishes a violation of these provisions as an infraction punishable by a $35 fine. This bill would make the above provisions applicable to a driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a motorized scooter. Because the bill would broaden the scope of an infraction and create new infractions, it creates a state-mandated local program. 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.