The purpose of this chapter is to implement reasonable regulations on the operation and use of motorized wheeled conveyances pursuant to the city's police power to protect the public health, safety and welfare, to better promote the safe use and operation of motorized wheeled conveyances, to prevent vehicular and pedestrian conflicts and other traffic hazards, and to enhance pedestrian and motorist safety.
(Ord. 1165, 10/28/2025)
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
"Electric bicycle" or "e-bike"
shall have the same meaning as set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5(a), as it may be amended from time to time, meaning a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts.
"Highway"
means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained, and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. "Highway" includes "street."
"Moped" or "motorized bicycle"
shall have the same meaning set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 406(a), as it may be amended from time to time, meaning a 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, has an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than four 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.
"Motor-driven cycle"
shall have the same meaning set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 405, as it may be amended from time to time, meaning a motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters. A motor-driven cycle does not include a motorized bicycle, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 406.
"Motorized board"
shall have the same meaning set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 313.5, as it may be amended from time to time, meaning any 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 surface is no more than 20 miles per hour.
"Motorized scooter"
shall have the same meaning set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5(a), as it may be amended from time to time, meaning any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion. For purposes of this section, a motorcycle, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 400, a motor-driven cycle, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 405, or a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 406, is not a motorized scooter.
"Motorized wheeled conveyance"
means any electric bicycle, motor-driven cycle, moped or motorized bicycle, motorized scooter, electric or combustible motorized skateboard/scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 313 (e.g., Segways), dirt bike, mini-bike, mini-motorbike, motor-driven cycle, mini-motorcycle, go-kart, go-ped, moped, pocket bike, all-terrain vehicle, quad runner, dune buggy or any similar electric or combustible motorized wheeled conveyance.
"Park"
means any public park or recreation or playground areas, or building or facility thereon within the city of Stanton, owned or maintained by the city as a public park or recreation or playground area, whether or not such area(s) have been formally dedicated to such purpose.
"Pocket bike"
shall have the same meaning set forth in California Vehicle Code Section 473(a), meaning a two-wheeled device having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider that is not designated or manufactured for highway use. A pocket bike does not include an off-highway motorcycle as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 436.
"Public right-of-way"
means any place of any nature which is dedicated, or otherwise intended, for use by the general public for pedestrian and vehicular travel, and includes, but is not limited to, a street, sidewalk, curb, crossing, intersection, parkway, highway, boulevard, road, roadway, tunnel, bridge, thoroughfare, or any other similar public way.
"Street"
means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. The term "street" includes "highways."
(Ord. 1165, 10/28/2025)
A. 
It shall be unlawful and a violation of this chapter for any person to operate a motorized wheeled conveyance in an unsafe manner on any public right-of-way, including any street, road, highway, or sidewalk, bike path, bike lane, trail, park, or upon any private property which is held open to the public for pedestrian travel. Operating a motorized wheeled conveyance in an unsafe manner includes any one or more of the following:
1. 
Violating any Stanton Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law.
2. 
Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic.
3. 
Operating a motorized wheeled conveyance in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers when not intended for carrying passengers.
4. 
Not obeying posted signs or signals.
5. 
Riding a motorized wheeled conveyance without a properly fitted and fastened helmet if the rider is under 18 years of age.
6. 
Intentionally lifting one or more wheels of a motorized wheeled conveyance into the air while riding on a public right-of-way, bike lane, or bike path.
7. 
Attempting to perform any acrobatic trick or stunt.
8. 
Operating a motorized wheeled conveyance any manner that endangers the operator, passengers, other motorists, other riders, or pedestrians in the area.
9. 
Operating on any public right-of-way, bike path, or bike lane against the direction of traffic.
10. 
Operating upon any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, or channel.
11. 
Operating at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on any public right-of-way, bike path, bike lane, or other area generally open to public access, or at any speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the conditions then existing.
12. 
Failing to yield to pedestrians.
13. 
Operating at a speed greater than five miles per hour on a sidewalk.
14. 
Operating while hitched to or physically attached to any moving vehicle or motorized device.
15. 
Operating while failing to yield the right-of-way to any and all pedestrians or failing to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle upon entering a roadway or driveway from a sidewalk.
16. 
Operating in any park.
17. 
Operating upon any unpaved hiking, equestrian, or walking trail.
18. 
Operating at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour on any paved trail.
19. 
Tampering with or modifying a regulated motorized wheeled conveyance so as to change the speed capability of the device, or otherwise altering, modifying, or adjusting the motor settings to increase the speed of the device.
20. 
Operating a motorized wheeled conveyance while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding.
21. 
Operating a motorized conveyance while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. A violation of this subsection shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 1165, 10/28/2025)
This chapter shall not apply to a pedestrian, which includes a person who is operating a self-propelled wheelchair, motorized tricycle, or motorized quadricycle and, by reason of physical disability, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian, as defined under California Vehicle Code Section 467(a).
(Ord. 1165, 10/28/2025)
A violation of this chapter shall be deemed an infraction, unless specifically outlined as a misdemeanor. The remedies provided by this section are cumulative and in addition to any other remedies available to the city at law or in equity.
(Ord. 1165, 10/28/2025)
If any provision of this chapter is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that invalidity will not affect the remaining provisions of this chapter, which can be implemented without the invalid provisions, and to this end, the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
(Ord. 1165, 10/28/2025)