Mobility Scooters in Washington: sidewalks, crosswalks, law

Can you ride a mobility scooter on a Washington sidewalk, and do drivers have to stop for you at a crosswalk? Families ask both before buying, and Washington's traffic code gives clearer answers than most.

The key is one word in the definitions: "pedestrian." Washington includes people using a power wheelchair in it, which brings sidewalk and crosswalk rules with it.

Washington's definitions, quoted

Under RCW 46.04.400, "'Pedestrian' means any person who is afoot or who is using a wheelchair, a power wheelchair, or a means of conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle." The next definition that matters is RCW 46.04.415: "'Power wheelchair' means any self-propelled vehicle capable of traveling no more than fifteen miles per hour, usable indoors, designed as a mobility aid for individuals with mobility impairments, and operated by such an individual."

The statute does not use the word "scooter." A mobility scooter made as a mobility aid, ridden by the person who needs it, and limited to a walking-to-jogging pace sits close to that description, but we did not find a Washington source that says so outright. If your situation turns on it, the Washington State Patrol or your local police department can tell you how they apply it.

Where you ride is covered by RCW 46.61.250. Where sidewalks exist and are accessible, pedestrians may not move along the adjacent roadway. The statute then adds: "Where sidewalks are provided but wheelchair access is not available, persons with disabilities who require such access may walk or otherwise move along and upon an adjacent roadway until they reach an access point in the sidewalk." Where there is no usable sidewalk, a pedestrian uses the shoulder "as far as is practicable from the edge of the roadway, facing traffic," or keeps near the outside edge of the road.

Crossing is covered by RCW 46.61.235: "The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian, bicycle, or personal delivery device to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk" when the pedestrian is in or within one lane of the driver's half of the road. The duty runs both ways; the same section says no pedestrian "shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety" into the path of a vehicle too close to stop.

Riding through Washington weather

The NOAA NCEI Washington summary describes a wet west side, where frequent precipitation comes off the Pacific, and a drier, more extreme east side. In Eastern Washington, the long-term average is 3.7 very cold nights a year at 0°F or lower and 14 very hot days at 95°F or more, though individual stations vary widely with elevation. NOAA also notes that Seattle and other urban areas "are rarely exposed to very high temperatures." In practice: on the coast, think about fenders, seat covers and dry storage; in Spokane or the Tri-Cities, think about charging and storing the scooter indoors through the coldest and hottest stretches.

Four scooters for four kinds of Washington day

• Gravel roads and wet trails: Pride's Pursuit 2 rides on 13 in. pneumatic tires with front and rear suspension, carries up to 400 lbs and is rated for up to 40 miles per charge with the dual lithium configuration.
• A trunk, a ferry trip or a small apartment: the Go Go Super Portable folds to a 12-inch depth without removing the seat and weighs 49.9 lbs with its battery. Pride describes the battery as airline compliant; check with your carrier.
• Tight kitchens and shops: the Victory 10 4-wheel turns in 45.5 in. and has a seat that slides and swivels, with a 400 lb capacity.
• Light and quick to pack: Golden's Buzzaround CarryOn separates into two pieces, weighs 65.5 lbs in all and goes up to 14.4 miles on its lithium-ion pack.

All figures are from the makers as listed on each product page. Weight capacity and the heaviest piece you can lift are usually the deciding numbers.

One more Washington-specific thought. If you count on the shoulder rule in RCW 46.61.250 because your street has no sidewalk, lighting and visibility matter more than top speed. The Pursuit 2 lists an LED lighting system and the CarryOn includes lights, and a bright flag or reflective tape costs little. Riding facing traffic, as the statute directs for pedestrians on a shoulder, also lets you see what is coming.

Try before you buy with WATAP

The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) offers device borrowing, demonstrations and help getting equipment, and the AT3 Center lists device reutilization and a financial loan as well. Borrowing a mobility device for a short trial can answer the comfort and turning questions no spec sheet can.

How scooters reach Washington

A scooter order ships straight to your address. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, with free shipping on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. Read shipping to Washington, or use the scooter fit check to narrow the list by weight, range and how you travel.

Questions about mobility scooters in Washington

Am I a pedestrian on a mobility scooter in Washington?

Washington's definition of pedestrian, RCW 46.04.400, includes anyone "using a wheelchair, a power wheelchair." A power wheelchair is a self-propelled mobility aid capable of no more than 15 mph, usable indoors and operated by a person with a mobility impairment. The law does not name scooters, so ask the State Patrol or local police if it matters for your case.

Can I ride in the street if the sidewalk has no curb ramp?

Yes, briefly. RCW 46.61.250 says that where sidewalks exist "but wheelchair access is not available," people with disabilities who need that access may move along the adjacent roadway "until they reach an access point in the sidewalk." Where no usable sidewalk exists, use the shoulder, facing traffic, as far from the road edge as practicable.

Must Washington drivers stop for me in a crosswalk?

Yes. RCW 46.61.235 requires an approaching driver to "stop and remain stopped" for a pedestrian crossing within a marked or unmarked crosswalk when the pedestrian is on, or within one lane of, the driver's half of the roadway. Pedestrians must not leave the curb suddenly into the path of a vehicle that cannot stop in time.

Which scooter handles Washington's wet weather and rough paths?

For gravel, mud and uneven ground, look at pneumatic tires and suspension. On the Pursuit 2, Pride pairs 13 in. pneumatic tires with suspension at both ends and 3.8 in. of axle clearance. NOAA notes that precipitation is frequent west of the Cascades, so dry storage helps any model.

Compare models in our mobility scooter collection, try the scooter fit check, or work through the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• RCW 46.04.400, pedestrian (Washington State Legislature)
• RCW 46.04.415, power wheelchair
• RCW 46.61.250, pedestrians on roadways
• RCW 46.61.235, crosswalks
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Washington (2022)
• Pride Pursuit 2 product page
• Pride Go Go Super Portable product page
• Pride Victory 10 4-wheel product page
• Golden Buzzaround CarryOn product page
• Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP)
• AT3 Center: Washington