Getting on Board

There it goes. A motorized contraption on wheels, speeding by, emitting the steady, annoying buzz of a leaf blower, its driver’s hair blown back by the wind.

Heads turn. Cars slow. Envious pedestrians stand wide-eyed.

These gas-powered, skateboard-like machines look like fun.

And although no one can tell how many are actually on the road, Los Angeles-area specialty shop owners and enthusiasts said their popularity is growing rapidly.

“Two years ago I saw some kid riding down the street on one of them,” said Chris Carmody, 14, of Valencia. “I said, ‘I want to get one for myself.’ They’re awesome.”

But the devices are also controversial.

State law prohibits the use of motorized skateboards on any public thoroughfare. In addition, anyone driving a motorized vehicle on public property is required to have a driver’s license. But exactly who these laws apply to is a subject of some debate, with the age of operators and even the definition of motorized skateboard among the issues.

Law enforcement officials said their main concern is the safety of young riders.

“Having a motor encourages kids to travel much farther and have more exposure to traffic,” said Deputy Robert Evans of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. “And they’re traveling at speeds, 25, even 30 mph, where if you crash, you’re really in trouble.”

But youths and adults who use them say safety concerns are inflated.

Chris and his brother, Justin, 11, said they rarely ride their bicycles anymore. The two bought motorized devices called Go-Peds with money they saved from birthdays, allowance and Christmas. The older of the machines cost $500. The brand-new deluxe model was $1,200.

The Valencia youngsters said they always wear helmets and check for traffic. Active on the go-cart circuit, they are well-acquainted with the rules of the road.

“We’ve never had any problems,” Chris said.

But Evans said riders 16 and younger could be cited for driving without a license, which he said would mean they couldn’t get a driver’s license until they turn 18.

Evans said adults can easily run into trouble with the law as well, facing fines and possible impoundment of their vehicles.

Several riders said they have been stopped by law enforcement officials for using machines the riders believed were legal.

Steve Patmont, who 13 years ago founded the company that makes the Go-Ped, said his creation is not illegal, and that officers are wrong to interfere with adults riding them.

“A skateboard has four wheels,” he said. “A Go-Ped has only two wheels--bi--so we’re closer to being a motorized bicycle.”

The distinction is significant.

Last year, a judge in Orange County said police were wrong to ticket a local man who rode his Go-Ped to work, ruling that the man was not using a motorized skateboard.

Still, other owners said they ride the vehicles with one eye on the road and another looking out for the police.

One 30-year-old West Hills man said the Go-Ped is a great way to get around. A lifelong skateboarder, he saw kids using them last year and decided he had to have one.

“I thought, ‘Hey, that’s a handy little tool.’ It was perfect for getting to work,” he said.

But he declined to give his name because a few years ago, in San Diego, on a motorized skateboard he was pulled over by police and ticketed.

“I did not know at that time they were against the law,” he said. “I’m trying to be careful, but it’s still an unbelievable way to get around.”