Tell Santa not to bring any motorized skateboards to Maricopa

Christmas is only a little over a month away. If your child has been hinting or even outright asking for some type of battery-operated or motorized skateboard, coaster or cart, you may want to think of an alternate gift.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee has strongly discussed the use of motorized play vehicles and skateboards. Their recommendation, which will go to the city council for approval, is that “no child under the age of thirteen shall operate a motorized play vehicle or motorized skateboard.”

For those who are old enough to ride such vehicles, they “may only be operated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.” A headlamp, a rear red reflector and a brake will be required, standard equipment on these vehicles. Operators under the age of 18 will need to wear a full-face protective helmet, footwear and eye protection.

Sellers of such vehicles, in store or by mail order, will be displaying this article of enforcement. In addition, sellers “shall provide to the buyer written notice that motor vehicle insurance policies and some homeowners’ insurance policies will not cover liability claims involving these types of vehicles.”

Violations will be considered civil traffic matters, penalized as provided by law. Similar enforcement policies are used in most cities in the Metro Phoenix area.

So, if there’s a motorized skateboard or vehicle on little Johnny or Jane’s Christmas list, you still have time to look for something else.