Motor Scooters Run Amok in Santa Monica, Authorities Say

Motor Scooters Run Amok in River City

Paparazzi photographed Baywatch actress Charlotte McKinney riding one down Ocean Avenue near the Santa Monica Pier.

Tourists ride them, and SMC students love them. Motorized scooters seem to be everywhere in Santa Monica lately. We all love them, and authorities need to regulate anything we love, right?

Late last year, the Santa Monica City Attorney's has filed a criminal complaint against Bird Rides,which offers motorized scooters for rent in Santa Monica.

Prosecutors allege Bird has repeatedly violated local laws by operating without a business license. "Bird scooters are often found in the public right of way, including on sidewalks. The company has repeatedly refused to comply with City citations," complained the City Attorney.

The police department also warns: "The City of Santa Monica has experienced an increase in the use of motorized scooters. The SMPD would like everyone to know the laws governing the use of motorized scooters. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 407.5 defines a motorized scooter as a two-wheeled device with handlebars and a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding and is powered by an electric motor," continues the police press release.

"The use of such scooters requires that the rider have a Class C License and a bicycle helmet. Various vehicle code sections pertaining to the Motorized Scooters are the following," and then a whole long list too long to print follows.

Oh well. IT is never the less fun to ride them, and fun to watch paparazzi chase actresses on them.