BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 604
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB
604 (Olsen)
As Amended June 24, 2015
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: | 61-8 | (May 18, |SENATE: | 32-1 | (July 9, 2015) |
| | |2015) | | | |
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Original Committee Reference: TRANS.
SUMMARY: Defines "electrically motorized skateboard" and
authorizes cities and counties to regulate their use.
The Senate amendments:
1)Prohibit persons under the age of 14 years old from operating
a motorized skateboard.
2)Require the use of a helmet for any person under age 18 using
a motorized skateboard.
3)Make it a crime to operate a motorize skateboard while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol.
AB 604
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AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY, this bill:
1)Defined "electrically motorized skateboard" as any
four-wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood
upon when riding that is not greater than 60 inches deep and
18 inches wide, is designed to transport only one person, and
has an electric propulsion system averaging less than 1,000
watts, the maximum speed of which, when powered solely by a
propulsion system on a paved level surface, is no more than 20
miles per hour.
2)Specified that an electrically motorized skateboard may be
designed to also be powered by human propulsion.
3)Specified that an electrically motorized skateboard is not a
motorized skateboard for purposes of an existing ban on
motorized skateboards on sidewalks, roadways, highways,
bikeways, bicycle paths, bike trails, equestrian trails,
hiking trails, and recreational trails.
4)Provided that an electrically motorized skateboard is not an
electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorcycle, a
motor-driven cycle, a motorized bicycle or moped, or a
motorized scooter.
5)Authorized local authority to adopt rules and regulations by
ordinance or resolution prohibiting or restricting persons
from riding or propelling electrically motorized skateboards
on highways, sidewalks, or roadways.
6)Authorized a transit development board to adopt ordinances,
rules, or regulations to restrict, or specify the conditions
for, the use of electrically motorized skateboards on property
under the control of, or any portion of property used by, the
board.
AB 604
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7)Authorized public agencies, including, but not limited to, the
Regents of the University of California and the Trustees of
the California State University, to adopt rules or regulations
to restrict, or specify the conditions for, the use of
electrically motorized skateboards on public property under
the jurisdiction of that agency.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS: Current law prohibits the use of motorized
skateboards in California. This prohibition has been in place
since 1977 and came about in response to skateboards that were
being equipped with loud, polluting gas motors and that had no
brakes or other safety features. The motorized skateboard of the
21st century is a very different product. The boards are
difficult to distinguish from regular skateboards while in use,
are silent and produce no emissions, and include brakes.
This bill defines an electrically motorized skateboard and
authorizes local governments and other specified entities, such
as universities on their campuses, to regulate their use.
Effectively, this bill treats electrically motorized skateboards
the same way that current law treats skateboards. According to
the author, the current prohibition on motorized skateboards
"directly affects manufacturers that build this product right
here in California. It is unacceptable that an environmentally
conscious and safe product, assembled and designed in our state,
cannot be legally operated under existing law."
While there appears to be little reason to continue to ban
motorized skateboards, the boards do raise safety concerns with
respect to use by children. These boards can reach speeds of up
to 20 miles per hour and, unlike bicycles, do not have
handlebars or some other steering mechanism to help the rider
maintain control. Younger children may not have the level of
AB 604
Page 4
maturity or judgment necessary to safely operate a motorized
skateboard. Fortunately, this bill limits the use of these
devices to persons 14 years of age or older, thereby enhancing
safety for both riders and for other road and sidewalk users
with whom riders will come into contact.
Analysis Prepared by:
Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN:
0001198