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CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Study Session Agenda Item No. SS2
April 26, 2005
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Daniel K. Ohl, Deputy City Attorney
Daniel. K. Ohl, x. 3131, doh @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: REGULATION OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES
ISSUE:
Should the City regulate Electric Assistive Personal Mobility Devices (EPAMD), commonly referred to as
Segways, within City limits.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff seeks direction from City Council on what, if any, regulations are necessary and appropriate.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
1: What it is
An "Electrical Personal Assistive Mobility Device" is a self - balancing, non - tandem, two wheel devices
that can turn in place, is designed to transport only one person at a maximum of speed of less than
12.5 miles per hour with an electric propulsion system averaging less than 750 watts. (1
horsepower) Vehicle Code Section 313(a). A photograph of one is attached. The devices are
commonly referred to as Segways.
State law has expanded the definition of pedestrian to include anyone using these devices. Vehicle Code
Section 457(a)(2).
In its Legislative findings, the.State Legislature has declared that the State has severe traffic congestion and
air pollution problems and finding ways to reduce them is of paramount importance. "These devices employ
advances in technology to safely integrate the user in pedestrian transportation. As a result, the Legislature
added its regulations as part of its program to promote the use of no emission transportation..
2. How It Works
Attached is literature which explains how the device operates through the use of solid -state
gyroscopes, tilt sensors, high speed microprocessors and electric motors.
3.- Required Equipment
Every device is required to be equipped with safety mechanisms including (1) front, rear and side
reflectors; (2) some type of braking system to bring the device to a controlled stopped; (3) a front
white light visible from a distance of 300 feet if the device is operated during the dark; and (4) a sound
emitting device to be activated by the operator, as appropriate, to alert nearby persons.
4. . Current Re ulations
State regulations allow these devices to be used at any location that a pedestrian can navigate. The
Newport Beach Municipal Code does not regulate or address these devices.
5. Authoritv to Regulate
The State Legislature specifically allows public entities, by ordinance to regulate the time, place and
manner of the operation of these devices in whole or in part, by prohibiting them entirely in the
jurisdiction or prohibiting their use in specified areas as determined to be appropriate. Vehicle Code
Section 21282.
6. Other Jurisdictions
a. San Francisco: Banned on all sidewalks.
Hermosa Beach: Banned on the oceanfront strand, a large sidewalk which runs along the
beach and is similar to our oceanfront boardwalk.
C. Santa Cruz: They are taking a wait and see attitude to determine if regulations are necessary.
We were unable to locate any other local jurisdiction which has regulated these devices.
7. Possible Restrictions
Should the Council desire to regulate these devices, consideration should be given to regulating them
on the oceanfront boardwalk, bay front sidewalk, Newport and Balboa piers, Balboa Fun Zone.
McFadden Plaza, Marine Avenue and sidewalks.
8. Other Items and Devices
a. Rol lerL skates /rollerblades: Prohibited by Municipal Code where declared by resolution to be
hazardous to pedestrians, motorists or persons roller skating /roller blading.
Skateboards: Banned by Municipal Code on public property having a grade of 6% or more
and declared by resolution to be hazardous to pedestrians. May also be banned by resolution
on public property having a grade of less than 6% when determined to be necessary to protect
the health, safety and welfare of pedestrians.
State law provides that no local authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance on the matters covered
by the Vehicle Code unless expressly authorized. The authority is read and interpreted narrowly by
the courts. Cities are expressly authorized to regulate the operation of bicycles on sidewalks,
pedestrian or bicycle facilities.
C. Bicycles: Defined by the Vehicle Code as a device upon which any person may ride,
propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain or gears; and having one or more
wheels. Banned Municipal Code on sidewalks except where allowed by resolution.
d. Pedi cabs /Surrey C cles: Prohibited on sidewalks, boardwalk and public piers.
e. Motorized Bicycle or Moped: Defined by the Vehicle Code as any two wheeled or three
wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no
pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor
which produces less than two gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device
at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. State law prohibits
these devices from being operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane, equestrian
trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless the public agency having jurisdiction over the path or
trail permits their operation by ordinance.
#. Motorized Quadra Cycle and Motorized Tricycle: Defined by the Vehicle Code as a four or
three wheeled device designed to carry not more than two persons and having either an
electric motor or a motor with an automatic transmission developing less than two gross brake
horsepower and capable of propelling the device in a maximum speed of not more than 30
miles per hour on level ground.
g. Motorized Scooters: The Vehicle Code defines this defines as a two wheeled device that has
handle bars, has a floor board that is designed to be stood upon while riding, and is powered
by an electric motor. It may also have driver seat if it does not interfere with the ability of the
rider to stand and ride and may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion. By .
definition, it is not a segway, motorcycle, motor driven cycle or motorized bicycle or.moped.
Further, a device meeting the definition that is powered by a source other than an electrical
power is also a motorized scooter. Local authorities may regulate the operation of motorized
scooters on pedestrian or on bicycle facilities, and may be operated on a bicycle path or trai! or
bike way unless the local authority prohibits such by ordinance. Banned by the Municipal
Code on the boardwalk.
Environmental Review: None
Public Notice:
Funding Availability:
Alternatives:
Prepared & Submitted by:
SIGNATURE
Daniel K. Ohl,
Deputy City Attorney
12.57.010 Definitions. 1 a =e 1 of 1.
12.57.010 Definitions.
A. Skateboard. For the purpose of this chapter, the term "skateboard" includes all wheeled objects, coasters,
scooters, toys, conveyances, or similar devices used for transportation or sport which are propelled by human
power and which are not classified as bicycles in this Code.
B. Rollerskate. For the purpose of this chapter, the term "roller skate" includes any form of device worn on the
feet with four wheels or rollers, for use on a sidewalk or other surface offering traction. (Ord. 1806 § 2 (part),
1979)
http:// municipalcodes .lexisnexis.comlcodeslnewportb /_ DATA/ TITLEI2 IChapter_12_57_SKATEBOAR,., 8/14/2008
3. Ordinance No. 371 — Skateboarding. (Purcell)
Recommendation: ADOPT ORDINANCE No. 317, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO
SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES, INLINE SKATES AND SCOOTERS UPON PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE. (This ordinance was introduced at the November 2011 meeting.)'
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TO: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
FROM: ADMIN. SERVICES DIRECTOR/CITY CLERK
DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2001
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 371 - SKATEBOARDING
RECOMMENDATION
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 371 OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES, INLINE SKATES AND
SCOOTERS UPON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE. (This ordinance was introduced at the November 20'^ meeting.)
BACKGROUND
The City has received requests from the management of the Westmont Shopping Center and from the L.
A. County Sheriffs Department urging the City to adopt an ordinance regulating the use of certain
wheeled devices upon public and private property. As a result of those requests, the City Attorney's
office prepared an ordinance which was introduced at the November 201^ meeting.
At that meeting, testimony was given by a management representative from the Westmont Shopping
Center and from L. A. County Sheriffs Deputy Randy Oviedo supporting the City's adoption of this
ordinance.
Upon the adoption of this ordinance on this date, these regulations can become effective January 5,
2002 upon the posting of signs citing this section of the Municipal Code.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Purcell
Reviewed:
Les Evans, City Manager
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ESTABLISHING
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES AND INLINE
SKATES UPON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY AND AMENDING THE RANCHO
PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21967 authorizes cities to adopt rules and regulation_
prohibiting or restricting persons from riding or propelling skateboards on highways, sidewalks, or
roadways subject to the provisions of Vehicle Code Section 21968; and
WHEREAS,'California Vehicle Code Section 21968 prohibits the use of motorized skateboards on any
sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian
trail, or hiking or recreational trail; and _
WHEREAS, California Vehicle Code Section 21969 further authorizes cities to adopt rules and
regulations prohibiting or restricting persons engaged in roller skating on highways, sidewalks. or
roadways subject to the provisions of Vehicle Code Section 21968; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to regulate the use of skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, scooters and
other similar motorized or unmotorized wheeled devices to the maximum extent permitted by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Title 9 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code hereby is amended by adding new
Chapter 9.30 to read as follows:
"Chapter 9.30
REGULATION OF SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES, INLINE
SKATES, SCOOTERS AND SIMILAR DEVICES ON POSTED PROPERTY.
Sections:
9.30.010 Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, scooters and similar wheeled devices
prohibited on posted property.
9.30.020 Posting required.
9.30.030 Penalties.
9.30.010 Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, scooters and similar wheeled devices
prohibited on posted property.
No person shall, and it shall constitute a public nuisance for any person to, operate, ride, propel, or coast
any skateboard, or utilize roller skates, inline skates, scooters or any similar motorized or unmotorized
wheeled device having wheels less than six (6) inches in diameter, upon any private property within any
zone in the city, where notice of such prohibition has been posted and is clearly visible at a minimum of
two entrances to the prohibited area or in the immediate vicinity of the area where such activity is
prohibited. This section shall not apply to persons participating in any program, event or class which is
sponsored by the property owner in which use of the self - powered wheeled devices described herein are
specifically authorized, permitted or required.
9.30.020 Posting required.
The prohibition set forth in Section 9.30. 010 of this Chapter shall not apply unless a property owner
posts at least two notices in substantially the following form: 'PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
SECTION 9.30.010 OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, NO SKATEBOARDS,
ROLLER SKATES, INLINE SKATES, OR SCOOTERS ARE PERMITTED.'
9.30.030 Penalty for violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision, or fail to comply with any of the requirements,
of this chapter. Any person violating any provision of this chapter or failing to comply with any of its
requirements shall be deemed guilty of an infraction and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by:
(1) a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation; (2) a fine not exceeding two hundred
dollars for a second violation within one year; (3) a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each
aoomonai woiaiion wain one year.
Section 2. Title 12 of the Rancho Palos Verdes.Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding new
Section 12.16.120 to Chapter 12.16 to read as follows:
"12.16.120 Skateboards, roller skates, inline skates, scooters and similar wheeled
devices prohibited on public property.
A. No person shall, and it shall constitute a public nuisance for any person to, operate, ride,
propel, or coast any skateboard or scooter, or utilize roller skates, inline skates or any
similar unmotorized wheeled device having wheels less than six (6) inches in diameter,
upon any public street, sidewalk, alley, or roadway within the city, where such public street,
sidewalk, alley, or way is designated by resolution of the City Council as closed to such
activities and where notice of such prohibition has been posted and is clearly visible in the .
immediate vicinity where such activity is prohibited.
B. No person shall, and it shall constitute a public nuisance for any person to, operate, ride,
propel, or coast any skateboard or scooter, or utilize roller skates, inline skates or any
similar motorized or unmotorized wheeled device having wheels less than six (6) inches in
diameter, upon any public park or other public property within any zone in the city, where
such public property is designated by resolution of the City Council as closed to such
activities and where notice of such prohibition has been posted and is clearly visible at a
minimum of two entrances to the prohibited area or in the immediate vicinity of the area
where such activity is prohibited.
C. The notices required by paragraphs A and B of this section shall be in substantially the
following form: 'PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 12.16.120 OF THE
RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, NO SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER SKATES.
INLINE SKATES, OR SCOOTERS ARE PERMITTED.'
D. This section shall not apply to persons participating in any city - sponsored program,
event or class in which use of the self - powered wheeled devices described herein are
specifically authorized, permitted or required."
Section 3. The City Council declares that, should any provision,.section, paragraph, sentence, or word of
this ordinance be rendered or declared invalid by any final action in a court of competent jurisdiction, or
by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences and
words of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 4. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be posted in three (3) public places in the City
within fifteen (15) days after its passage, in accordance with the provisions of Section 36933 of the
Government Code. The City Clerk shall further certify to the adoption and posting of this Ordinance, and
shall cause this Ordinance and its certification, together with proof of posting, to be entered in the Book
of Ordinances ofthe Council of this City.
Section 5. This Ordinance shall go into effect and be in full force and effect at 12:01 a.m. on the thirty-
first (31st) day after its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this day of , 2001.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
I, Jo Purcell, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the whole
number of members of the City Council is five, that the foregoing Ordinance No. 371
passed first reading on November 20, 2001, was duly and regularly adopted by the City
Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on December 4, 2001 and that the
same was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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MOTORIZED SKATEBOARDS
With the new interest in motorized skateboards the City of Lenexa has
established some common -sense rules for their safe operation, the
safety of their operators, and the safety of all our citizens. The police
department will respond to complaints of unsafe operation and handle
them in an appropriate manner. If you have any questions, please
contact the Traffic Safety Unit at 913 - 477 -7415.
Motorized Skateboard Defined: Any tandem - wheeled device
powered by a gas or electric motor that has a skateboard -type deck
and handlebars, and either is designed to be stood upon by the
operator, or one with a seat mounted on the deck designed to be sat
upon by the operator, (also commonly referred to as a motorized
scooter). Motorized skateboards shall be considered skateboards for
purposes of trespassing on private property which have been posted
with signs prohibiting skateboards or skateboarding.
Motorized Skateboards are prohibited on all streets, roads or
highways, and upon any recreational path or trail (commonly
distinguished by an asphalt surface) in the City.
(City Ordinance 3 -8A -1 Section 109.1)
Motorized Skateboards are allowed on sidewalks, subject to the
following restrictions:
(City Ordinance 3-8A -1 Section 116)
• Must be stood upon, or if sat upon, must have a minimum seat
height of 24 inches
• Cannot be operated between sunset to sunrise, or at other times
when there is insufficient lighting
• Cannot be operated in excess of 15 mph
• Must be operated with caution and due regard to surface and other
environmental conditions
• All operators or riders under 18 must wear a bicycle helmet
Homit I ' ' PRINT POLICE DER
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CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 21949 -21971
21949. (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that it is the
policy of the State of California that safe and convenient
pedestrian travel and access, whether by foot, wheelchair, walker, or
stroller, be provided to the residents of the state.
(b) In accordance with the policy declared under subdivision.(a),
it is the intent of the Legislature that all levels of government in
the state, particularly the Department of Transportation, work to
provide convenient and safe passage for pedestrians on and across all
streets and highways, increase levels of walking and pedestrian
travel, and reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
21950. (a) The driver of a.vehicle shall yield the right -of -way to,
a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or
within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise ..
provided in this chapter.
(b) This section does not relieve a pedestrian from the duty of
using due care for his or her safety. No pedestrian may suddenly
leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path
of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.
No pedestrian may unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while.in a
marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(c) The driver of a vehicle approaching a pedestrian within any
marked or unmarked crosswalk shall exercise all due care and shall
reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action relating to
the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of
the pedestrian.
(d) Subdivision (b) does not relieve a driver of a vehicle from
the duty of exercising due care for the safety of any.pedestrian
within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an
intersection.
21950.5. (a) An existing marked crosswalk may not be removed unless
notice and opportunity to be heard is provided to the public not
less than 30 days prior to the scheduled date of removal. In
addition to any other public notice requirements, the notice of
proposed removal shall be posted at the crosswalk identified for. "
removal.
(b) The notice required by subdivision (a) shall include, but is
not limited to, notification to the public of both of the following:
(1) That the public may provide input relating to the scheduled
removal.
(2) The form and method of providing the input authorized by
paragraph (1).
21951. Whenever any vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk or at
any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to
cross the roadway the driver of any other vehicle approaching from
=he rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.
21952. The driver of any motor vehicle, prior to driving over or
upon any sidewalk, shall yield the right -of -way to any pedestrian
approaching thereon.
21953. Whenever any pedestrian crosses a roadway other than by
means of a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing, if a
pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing serves the place where the
pedestrian is crossing the roadway, such pedestrian shall yield the
right -of -way to all vehicles on the highway so near as to constitute
an immediate hazard.
This section shall not be construed to mean that a marked
crosswalk, with or without a signal device, cannot be installed where
a pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing exists.
21954. (a).Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than
within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an
intersection shall yield the right -of -way to all vehicles upon the
roadway so near as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not relieve the .driver of
a vehicle from the duty to exercise due care for the safety of any
pedestrian upon a roadway.
21955. Between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic control
signal devices or by police officers, pedestrians shall not cross
the roadway at any place except in a crosswalk.
21956. (a) No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a
business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her
left -hand edge of the roadway.
(b) A pedestrian may walk close to his or her right -hand edge of
the roadway if a crosswalk or other means of safely crossing the
roadway is not available or if existing traffic or other conditions
would compromise the safety of a pedestrian attempting to cross the
road.
21957. No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of
soliciting a ride from the driver of any vehicle.
21959. It is unlawful for any person to ski or toboggan on or
across any roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the movement
of vehicles thereon. A person on skis proceeding on or across a
highway at a pace no greater than a walk is not within the
prohibition of this section and shall be considered to be a
pedestrian with all the rights and duties thereof as prescribed in
this code.
21960. (a) The Department of Transportation and local authorities,
by order, ordinance, or resolution, with respect to freeways,
expressways, or designated portions thereof under their respective
jurisdictions, to which vehicle access is completely or partially
controlled, may prohibit or restrict the use of the freeways,
expressways, or any portion thereof by pedestrians, bicycles or other
nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motor- driven
cycle, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter. A prohibition or
restriction pertaining to bicycles, motor - driven cycles, or motorized
scooters shall be deemed to include motorized bicycles; and no
person may operate a motorized bicycle wherever that prohibition or
restriction is in force. Notwithstanding any provisions of any
order, ordinance, or resolution to the contrary, the driver or
passengers of a disabled vehicle stopped on a freeway or expressway
may walk to the nearest exit, in either direction, on that side of
the freeway or expressway upon which the vehicle is disabled, from
which telephone or motor vehicle repair services are available.
(b) The prohibitory regulation authorized by subdivision (a) shall
be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are
erected upon any freeway or expressway and the approaches thereto.
If any portion of a county freeway or expressway is contained within
the limits of a city within the county, the county may erect signs on
that portion as required under this subdivision if the ordinance has
been approved by the city pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section
1730 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(c) No ordinance or resolution of local authorities shall apply to
any state highway until the proposed ordinance or resolution has
been presented to, and approved in writing by, the Department of
Transportation.
(d) An ordinance or resolution adopted under this section on or
after January 1, 2005, to prohibit pedestrian access to a county
freeway or expressway shall not be effective unless it is supported
by a finding by the local authority that the freeway or expressway
does not have pedestrian facilities and pedestrian use would pose a
safety risk to the pedestrian.
21961. This chapter does not prevent local authorities from
adopting ordinances prohibiting pedestrians from crossing roadways at
other than crosswalks.
21962. Any peace officer having reasonable cause to believe that
any pedestrian is stopped or standing on any bridge or overpass for
the purpose of violating Section 23110, may lawfully order such
person from the bridge or. overpass.
21963. A totally or partially blind pedestrian who is carrying a
predominantly white cane (with or without a red tip), or using a
guide dog, shall have the right -of -way, and the driver of any vehicle
approaching this pedestrian, who fails to yield the right -of -way, or
to take all reasonably necessary precautions to avoid injury to this
blind pedestrian, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by
imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a
fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one
thousand dollars ($1;000), or both. This section shall not preclude
prosecution under any other applicable provision of law.
21964. No person, other than those totally or partially blind,
shall carry or use on any highway or in any public building, public
facility, or other public place, a predominantly white cane (with or
without a red tip).
21965. As used in Sections 21963 and 21964, "blind," "totally
blind," and "partially blind," mean having central visual acuity not
to exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with corrected lenses, as
.measured by the Snellen test, or visual acuity greater than 20/200,
but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest
diameter of the visual field subtends an angle not greater than 20
degrees.
21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane
where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility.
21967. Except as provided in Section 21968, a local authority may
adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution prohibiting or
restricting persons from riding or propelling skateboards on
highways, sidewalks, or roadways.
21968. No motorized skateboard may be propelled on any sidewalk,
roadway, or any other part of a highway or on any bikeway, bicycle
path or trail, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail.
21969. A local authority may adopt rules and regulations by
ordinance regulating persons engaged in roller skating on a highway,
sidewalk, or roadway.
21970. (a) No person may stop a vehicle unnecessarily in a manner
that causes the vehicle to block a marked or unmarked crosswalk or
sidewalk.
. (b) Subdivision (a) does not preclude the driver of a vehicle
facing a steady circular red light from turning right or turning left
from a one -way street onto a one -way street pursuant to subdivision
(b) of Section 21453.
21971. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who
violates subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 21451, subdivision (b) of
Section 21453, subdivision (a) of Section 21950, or Section 21952,
and causes the bodily injury of anyone other than the driver is
guilty of an infraction punishable under Section 42001.18.
January 02, 2007 (9:05 PM EST)
Sony Files Patent for Segway -Like
Skateboard
By Thomas Claburn ,
Sony filed a patent for a motorized skateboard that riders
steer by shifting their weight.
The filing, published in November, 2006 describes "a
vehicle which can travel in the front and back direction and
which can turn by right and left wheels rotated when a rider
riding on a step -board moves the position of rider's
balance from the center of a vehicle base."
In other words, Sony envisions a device similar to a
Carrom Balance Board — a board atop a cylinder that you
try to balance on — except with two or more motorized
wheels that you drive by shifting your weight.
The described device — a skating roller board — would
power down when not bearing weight, a situation that
might occur following a fall, for example.
In September, 2006, Segway, Inc. issued a voluntary recall
of its two - wheeled electric scooters for potential
malfunction that "can unexpectedly apply reverse torque to
the wheels, which can cause a rider to fall." The company
said it had received six incident reports possibly
attributable to this issue.
President Bush famously fell from a Segway scooter in
June, 2003, though the machine's maker blames that
tumble on operator error.
Sony appears to have considered such incidents because
it also envisions three- and four -wheel versions "to improve
stability of the vehicle.'
111 IIIIIIII II IIII 11111 IIIII IN 11111 1111 IIIII IIII 111111111111111111111111111,111
US 20060260862A I
(i9) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (io) Pub. No.: US 200610260862 AI
Nishikawa (43) Pub. Date: Nov. 23, 2006
(54) VEHICLE STEERABLE BY MOVEMENT OF
CENTER OF GRAVITY
(75) inventor: Gousuke Nishikawa, Kanagawa (JP)
Correspondence Address:
C. IRVIN MCCLELLAND
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER &
NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314 (US)
(73) Assignee: Sony Corporation, Tokyo (JP)
(21) Appl. No.: 10/558,739
(22) PCT Filed: Jun. 1, 2004
(86) PCT No.: PCT /JP04/07908
(30) Foreign Applicatiou Priority Data
Jun. 4. 2003 (JP) .................. ....................2003 - 159546
Publication Classificatiou
(51) Int. Cl.
B60K 26/00 (2006.01)
6R, 7
E
(52) U.S. C.I . ........... ................................................. :. 180/313
(57) ABSTRACT
The present invention relates to a vehicle which can travel
in the front and back direction and which can turn by right
and left wheels rotated when a rider riding oil a step-board,
moves dte position of rider's balance from the center of a
vehicle base.
A vehicle which can be steered based an movement of
balance according to the present invention includes left and
rgbt wheels 4L and 4R located at least on the same axis, first
and second drive motors 51, and 5R for rotating the left Lind
right wheels 4L; 4R. a vehicle bare 2 having the left and
right wheels located at its left and right sides and which has
the first and second drive motors mounted thereon. a step -
board 3 located above the vehicle base 2 and an which a
rider rides, pressure sensors 6L, 611, 7L. 7R interposed
between the vehicle base and the step -board to detect
movement of rider's balance and a drive control means 10
for controlling driving of the first and second drive motors
based on detected signals from the pressure .Rensors to
enable the vehicle to travel straight and /or turn. According
to the present invention, it is possible for the rider to Lim the
vehicle in the front and back direction and to turn the vehicle
in the left and right direction by only moving rider's weight.
1
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Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet ] of 8
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US 2006/0260862 Ai
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Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 2 of 8
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Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 3 of 8 US 2006/0260862 Ai
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Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 5 of 8
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US 2006/0260862 AI
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Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 6 of 8 1 US 2006/0260862 Al
FIG. 8
FIG 9
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