Yakima, WA Mobility & Curb Rules: Shared E-Scooter Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- CBD riding
- Banned entirely
- Sidewalks citywide
- Banned
- Speed limit cutoff
- Streets over 25 mph banned
- Helmet
- Required for all riders
- Max fine
- $250
Summary
Yakima bans riding motorized foot scooters in the central business district, on any city sidewalk, in parks, and on streets posted above 25 mph, and requires helmets and lights citywide.
Central Business District. It is unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorized foot scooter or similar device upon any street, alley, sidewalk, park or publicly owned parking lot in the central business district of the city of Yakima as described in YMC § 9.10.010.
B. Parks, Sidewalks and Streets. Pursuant to YMC § 13.16.090, motorized foot scooters are prohibited from city parks and other identified “nonmotorized corridors” and violations of the restrictions stated in YMC § 13.16.090 are subject to the specific penalties set forth therein. Motorized foot scooters are also prohibited from being operated on sidewalks within the city limits or on any street with a posted speed limit greater than twenty-five miles per hour. (Ord. 2004-39 § 1 (part), 2004. Formerly 9.50.440; Ord. 2004-70 § 5, 2004; Ord. 2023-036 § 1, 2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
YMC § 9.50.840 forbids operating a motorized foot scooter on any street, alley, sidewalk, park, or public parking lot within Yakima's central business district (mapped in YMC § 9.10.010), and separately bars scooters from sidewalks citywide and from streets with a posted speed limit above 25 mph, plus city parks and other nonmotorized corridors under YMC § 13.16.090. YMC § 9.50.850 additionally requires a valid driver's license, an ANSI/Snell-rated helmet, front lamp and rear reflector after dark, a working brake, and a muffler, and bans riding double or towing. No dedicated dockless share-program permit exists in the code: these operating rules apply to any motorized foot scooter, shared or privately owned, ridden within city limits.
Violations & Fines
Riding in a prohibited zone or without required safety equipment is a traffic infraction under YMC § 9.50.870, punishable by up to a $250 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a scooter downtown in Yakima?
Is there a specific shared-scooter program ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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