Scooter Ordinance
Article 8-20: Motorized Scooters
8-2001 Definitions.
8-2002 Operation of motorized scooters--Regulations.
8-2003 Motorized scooters may be impounded if operated in violation of ordinances.
8-2004 Penalty.
8-2001. Motorized scooter--Definition.--A “motorized scooter” shall mean any wheeled, open device, regardless of the number of wheels, powered by any style motor, which is not capable of traveling more than fifteen (15) miles per hour.
Source: 4444 (2005).
8-2002. Operation of motorized scooters--Regulations.--A person may operate a motorized scooter on the public sidewalks within the city of Fargo, subject to the following
conditions:
A. A motorized scooter may not be operated upon any sidewalk in the central business district, upon any pedestrian walkway or trail which was constructed with Federal Aid Highway Funds, except as provided by law, or upon any other sidewalk in the city which is posted with signs prohibiting motorized scooters. Persons who obtain a mobility impairment permit from the city of Fargo, completed by a licensed physician, are exempt from this requirement.
B. An operator of a motorized scooter must dismount and push a motorized scooter across a city street and within the crosswalk area. Persons who obtain a mobility impairment permit from the city of Fargo, completed by a licensed physician, are exempt from this requirement.
C. A motorized scooter may not be operated upon any public street, except by persons who obtain a mobility impairment permit from the city of Fargo, completed by a licensed physician and only when absolutely 8 - 82 necessary or when a sidewalk is impassable or unavailable.
D. A motorized scooter operated upon any street must be equipped with reflectors.
E. An operator of a motorized scooter shall in all situations yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
F. An operator of a motorized scooter under 18 years of age must wear a helmet.
G. No passengers are allowed on a motorized scooter, unless the scooter is specifically designed for carrying passengers
H. Motorized scooters may only be operated during the hours from sunrise to sunset. Persons who obtain a mobility impairment permit from the city of Fargo, completed by a licensed physician, are exempt from this requirement.
I. All motorized scooters operated within the city of Fargo must be equipped with factory supplied stock mufflers, exhaust systems, and braking systems.
J. Applications for a mobility impaired permits may be obtained from the auditor’s office and shall be completed by a licensed physician.
Source: 4444 (2005).
8-2003. Motorized scooters may be impounded if operated in violation of ordinances.--
The police department of the city or any of the members thereof may impound any motorized scooter operated in violation of any of the ordinances of the city and retain possession of same until all fines have been paid.
Source: 4444 (2005).
8-2004. Penalty.--Any violation of this section shall result in a minimum penalty of $40. The parent, guardian, or any adult, providing supervision of an operator under 18 years of age, who violates the provisions of this ordinance, shall be responsible for paying the penalty amount.
Source: 4444 (2005).