The Los Angeles City Council voted on Tuesday to close a loophole in the city’s ban on the use of Segways and other similar personal vehicles or scooters on the Venice Beach boardwalk.
While two-wheeled vehicles were already not allowed on public walkways next to the beach, businesses were still trying to rent out Segways with three or more wheels, saying the city’s restrictions did not apply, said David Graham-Caso, an aide to City Councilman Mike Bonin.
After seeing an increase in accidents between pedestrians and the battery-powered Segways on the boardwalk, Bonin proposed changes to ensure the city’s restrictions also applied to vehicles with more than two wheels.
Some of the accidents involved children and seniors, according to Bonin.
The amendments, approved 14-0 and now awaiting the mayor’s signature, would apply to Ocean Front Walk between the city of Santa Monica and Washington Boulevard.
The ordinance makes an exceptions for people with physical disabilities and allows Segways and similar vehicles on the Venice bike path and other bike paths.
