Some Segways, the hybrid multiple-wheeled scooters, and the not shown hybrid, multiple-wheeled motorized scooter-type device, which is assumed to be similar to a “Razor” two-wheeled scooter with an engine have been banned from beach areas. The small, two-wheel Segway, shown, is an exception.

Ordinance 183134  restricting Segways, hybrid, multi-wheeled scooters, andhybrid multiple-wheeled electric personal assistive mobility-type devices has passed and became effective 8 July.

It bans these devices from Ocean Front Walk (OFW), all sidewalks, and the bike path from Washington Blvd to the Santa Monica line.  The exception is that certain Segways may operate on the bike path.

The exempt Segway is defined in Vehicle Code Section 313 as a self-balancing, non-tandem two-wheeled device that is not greater than 20 inches deep and 25 inches wide and can turn in place.  This Seaway is designed to transport only one person and have  an electric propulsion system averaging less than 750 watts (1 horsepower), the maximum speed of which, when powered solely by a propulsion system on a paved level surface, is no more than 12.5 miles per hour.

The ordinance to change Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 63.44 (O) was passed by the City Council 24 June, signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti 2 July and became effective 8 July.

“Segways were already banned by municipal code section 63.44(O), but that language specifically referred to “two-wheel” devices,” wrote David Graham-Caso, Communications Director for Councilman Mike Bonin.  “Since many Segways now have a variety of wheel configurations (including some with more than two wheels), the LAPD asked that the Councilman update the municipal code to restrict the use of Segways on the boardwalk (with certain exceptions so operators could not point to a technicality in the law if they got a ticket).

“Just like you are not allowed to ride your bike on OFW because you could easily hit and harm someone, this ordinance simply makes it so people riding Segways need to use the bike path instead of the pedestrian walkway.”

First violation will be $100.  Second and subsequent violations will be subject to prosecution as an infraction punishable by a fine in the amount of $250 or prosecution as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1000 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period of not more than six months, or by both a fine and imprisonment.

These definitions do not include electric bicycles, which are governed by bicycle rules.  And law enforcement personnel will be exempt from the law and able to use similar type devices.  People with a disability will also be excluded from this ordinance under American Disabilities Act.