Just as motorists have had to learn to share the road with cyclists, California cyclists may have to do the same in sharing bikes lanes with electric skateboard riders, according to a bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 11.
Riders of electric skateboards (or e-boards) have Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen of Modesto to thank for their new new legitimacy. That's the Assembly Republican Leader below on an electric skateboard in front of the Capitol on the official "Electric Skateboard Demo Day" on June 9.
Credit: Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen
Assembly Bill 604 "revers(es) a 38-year-old state ban on electric motorized boards," writes Bill Hutchinson for SF Gate.
"The ban was implemented in 1977 to keep noisy, gas-powered boards off the streets, but boards built today are quiet, clean and safe to ride," according to Assemblywoman Olsen's webpage on the bill.
Olsen's interest was as much economically-motivated as it was in advancing the rights of skateboarders and a zero-emission form of transportation. Modesto is home to Intuitive Motion, a manufacturer of electric skateboards called ZBoards.
“My legislation updates our outdated laws to give Californians an environmentally friendly transportation option, and encourages the growth of an industry to create new jobs,” Olsen said in a statement (and in the video below). [Warning: Everyone is having lots of fun - an odd appearance at the state Capitol].
As the video indicates, e-board riders will have access to the roadway, not just bike lanes, unless explicitly restricted. However, it is anticipated riders will use bike lanes where available.
Olsen's press release states, "The bill also authorizes local governments to adopt additional rules and regulations regarding the boards."
According to an email from Olsen's Capitol and Communications Director, Allison Wescott, use of the e-boards in bike lanes "is automatically legal [as of Jan. 1, 2016, when the law takes effect] unless cities want to regulate for their own needs."
Along with the new rights come responsibilities: helmets are required for e-board riders, adds Hutchinson.
According to a post last year, electric skateboards are targeted in part to a "growing number of urban professionals who don't want to drive to work."
Read the full story: Gov. Brown gives green light to motorized skateboards
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