Scooter Use in Fargo

Before you hop on your scooter for a ride around the neighborhood, make sure you are familiar with a new city ordinance Article 8-20 regulates the use of motorized scooters on city sidewalks and streets.  The ordinance puts restrictions that include the following:  

• Motorized scooters that are capable of reaching speeds in excess of 15 miles per hour cannot be operated on sidewalks, bike paths or other pedestrian walkways.
  
• Motorized scooters that cannot reach a speed of 15 miles per hour may be operated on sidewalks (excluding downtown business district), bike paths and other pedestrian walkways, with limited exceptions.
  
• Persons requiring the use of a motorized scooter due to mobility impairment may obtain a permit from the City of Fargo Auditor’s Office which will exempt them from many of the ordinance’s restrictions.
  
• Motorized scooters may only be operated from sunrise to sunset.
  
• Operators of motorized scooters who are under age 18 must wear a helmet.
  
• Scooter operators must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
  
• Violators of the ordinance will face a minimum penalty of $40. Police can impound scooters operated in violation of the ordinance until the fine is paid.

View the full text of the scooter ordinance.