SM City Council To Consider Motorized-Scooter Ordinance On Second Reading

Staff Reports

The San Marcos City Council is slated to consider amending the city code to prohibit motor-assisted scooters on the second of two readings tonight.

The amended ordinance will prohibit motor-assisted scooters from being used on or on public property, public parks, public sidewalk, public right-of-way, public streets or public highways within the city limits.

In December, the ordinance passed 5 to 1 with Councilmember Maxfield Baker dissenting and Councilmember Mark Rockeymoore absent.

According to the ordinance, the ban will not apply to motor-assisted bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles or to motorized mobility devices used by persons with physical disabilities, but it will apply to personal or company-owned scooters.

Individuals who are caught using a motorized scooter could be fined up to $500, and unattended scooters could be impounded after a 24-hour grace period.

The Texas Transportation Code Chapter 551.352. (b) states, “a county or municipality may prohibit the operation of a motor-assisted scooter on a street, highway, or sidewalk if the governing body of the county or municipality determines that the prohibition is necessary in the interest of safety.”

At the first reading, the council directed staff to develop a plan for a “delayed enforcement period” and “reduce the maximum fine for violations.”

Council proposed a maximum fine of $25 instead of $500.

According to the agenda, both items will require a motion from the council for approval.

The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Residents can sign up to speak during the public comment period until 5:45 PM Tuesday in the City Clerk’s Office.