Motorized skateboards under police scrutiny

Stacy Brown

BALBOA ISLAND -- Last year, there were the Rollerblades; this year, it’s

the motorized skateboards causing problems.

A 3-year-old was nearly run off the boardwalk by a skateboarder over the

weekend, police said.

A half-dozen complaint calls came in Sunday, authorities said. And

Tuesday, police Sgt. Mike McDermott said he and a partner witnessed

teenagers illegally operating the skateboards on the boardwalk.

All this has prompted police officials to issue memos to officers,

instructing them to enforce strictly laws targeting the illegal use of

motorized skateboards.

The operation of any motorized vehicle requires a driver’s license and

registration, officials said. But McDermott said many who operate the

skateboards are underage and use them dangerously.

“It is illegal to operate these things on sidewalks and roadways and

without a license,” McDermott said.”

A typical fine for operating a vehicle without a license is $500,

McDermott said. A fine of up to $200 can be levied for operating an

unregistered vehicle.