As used in this chapter:

"EPAMD" means an electric personal assistive mobility device which is a self-balancing device with two wheels not in tandem, designed to transport only one person, having a maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a propulsion system of less than fifteen (15) miles per hour. (Ord. 2008-33 § 1 (part), 2008)

A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, EPAMDs may be operated on roadways, shoulders and alleys, but not on sidewalks, bicycle lanes or public paths.

B. EPAMDs are subject to limitations imposed by Title 31 of the Rhode Island General Laws.

C. EPAMDs may not be operated on public schools playfields or public school playgrounds.

D. The provisions of this section limiting the use of EPAMDs in parks or on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, public paths, public school playfields, or public school playgrounds do not apply to an EPAMD when that device is operated by a person with a mobility impairment caused by a physical disability who uses that device to enhance that person's mobility. (Ord. 2008-33 § 1 (part), 2008)

Subject to the limitations on areas of operation contained in this chapter, the following rules of operation apply to EPAMDs as indicated:

A. EPAMDs shall only be used between sunrise and sunset.

B. Only a person with a valid motor vehicle operator's license may operate an EPAMD on a roadway, shoulder or alley.

C. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, EPAMD operators shall have the same rights and duties as operators of bicycles.

D. Speed-limited zones for EPAMDs:

1. The director of public safety (director) is authorized to designate speed-limited zones for EPAMDs;

2. Speed-limited zones shall be those areas where, in the professional judgment of the director are:

a. Congested pedestrian or non-motorized traffic is present;

b. Without a speed limit, a significant speed differential would exist between pedestrians or non-motorized traffic and EPAMD; and

c. Without a speed limit the presence of EPAMD or electric foot scooter traffic could endanger public safety.

3. The director is also authorized, in his/her professional judgment, to establish times during which certain areas will be deemed speed-limited zones;

4. When within a designated speed-limited zone, EPAMDs shall not be operated at a speed in excess of five miles per hour.

E. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, operators of EPAMDs shall have the same rights and duties as operators of bicycles when upon any portion of a highway except a sidewalk, crosswalk or pedestrian zone.

F. At all times, operators of EPAMDs shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and human-powered devices and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian or human-powered device.

G. Any person operating an EPAMD shall wear protective eye wear designed for motorcycle safety.

H. No motorized EPAMD shall be operated with any passenger or other person in addition to the operator.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned provisions, EPAMDs are further subject to all ordinances pertaining to bicycles found at Chapter 10.72 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Newport. To the extent conflict is found between the ordinance codified in this chapter and Chapter 10.72, the specific ordinance provisions on EPAMD shall govern. (Ord. 2008-33 § 1 (part), 2008)

No person shall do any act forbidden by this chapter or fail to perform any act required in this chapter. The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2008-33 § 1 (part), 2008)