Senate Bill 2921

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF THE CITY OF VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, TO DESIGNATE BY ORDINANCE THE ROADS AND STREETS, TOGETHER WITH SIDEWALKS AND BICYCLE PATHS AND LANES, UPON WHICH MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTERS MAY BE OPERATED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. As used in this act, unless a different meaning clearly appears in the context, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) "City" means the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

(b) "Governing authorities" means the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

(c) "Motor-assisted scooter" means a self-propelled device, other than a pocket bike or mini-motorbike, weighing less than one hundred (100) pounds, which has handlebars, at least two (2) wheels in contact with the ground during operation, a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions, and a floorboard that can be stood upon while riding, and which is solely powered by a gas or electric motor not exceeding forty (40) cubic centimeters but may also be propelled by human power alone, and whose maximum speed on a paved level surface is no greater than twenty (20) miles per hour.

SECTION 2. (1) The governing authorities may, in their discretion, pass ordinances authorizing the operation of motor-assisted scooters within the corporate limits of the city:

(a) On a marked bicycle path or lane;

(b) On any street or road where bicycles may be permitted; and

(c) On a sidewalk, if the person operating the device yields the right-of-way to pedestrians and gives an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

(2) A person operating a motor-assisted scooter shall have all the rights and duties of a person riding a bicycle, unless otherwise specified and except with respect to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

(3) No person under the age sufficient to operate a motor vehicle shall operate a motor-assisted scooter, and no person shall operate a motor-assisted scooter at a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour.

(4) No driver's license issued pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 1, Article 1, Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be required of any person while operating a motor-assisted scooter.

(5) For purposes of this act, a motor-assisted scooter shall not be considered a motor vehicle under Sections 27-19-3, 27-51-5, 63-3-103, 63-15-3 and 63-19-3, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 3. This act shall stand repealed from and after July 1, 2024.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.