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 Spring and summer are coming, and with the arrival of warm weather comes an increase in time spent outdoors. Our community is no different from many others in our state; we have seen an increase in the use of pocket bikes. As the price drops on these mini-motorcycles and the weather gets better we will see even more of these around town. The City of University Place has not adopted any NEW enforcement guidelines on these BUT there are laws in place already that provide some guidance for proper usage. First we can define a "pocket bike..."
Pocket Bikes are motorcycles. RCW 46.04.330 defines a motorcycle as any self-propelled vehicle designed to travel or move on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground on which the driver rides astride the motor unit or power train designed to be steered with a handlebar. Regulation of these motorcycles applies to those who operate them on public roadways.
Laws regulating these bikes include but are not limited to the following...
Licensing: Motor vehicles must be licensed and have a license plate before they can be operated on the public roadways. Pocket bikes do not have VINs and therefore cannot be registered (RCW 46.16.010).
Helmets Required: RCW 46.37.530 requires that any person operating or riding a motorcycle must wear upon his or her head a protective helmet of a type conforming to the rules adopted by the state patrol (DOT). The helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chinstrap, which shall be fastened securely while the motorcycle is in motion. A bicycle helmet DOES NOT meet the helmet requirement for a motorcycle, riders must be wearing a motorcycle helmet.
Parental Responsibility: Under RCW 46.20.024, no person shall cause or knowingly permit his or her child, who is under 18, to drive a motor vehicle on any highway or public roadway without the States authorization.
The motorized scooters are similar but not the same as a "pocket bike." Research on regulations are being done at this time, stay tuned.
If you should have any questions, please call Jennifer Hales, Public Safety Manager, at (253) 798-3141.
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