Legislation by Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen, of Modesto, to allow the use of electrically-motorized skateboards in California was approved by the Senate on Thursday, July 9 on a bipartisan vote.

“State government should be nurturing innovation like electric skateboards in California,” said Olsen. “My legislation will update our outdated laws to give Californians an environmentally-friendly transportation option, and encourage the growth of an industry to create new jobs.”

Olsen continued, “This legislation has been carefully crafted over the past two years to ensure the safety of riders and to provide communities the flexibility to regulate boards to meet their needs.”

Electrically-motorized skateboards were banned from use in California in 1977 to keep noisy, gas-powered boards off the streets. However, today’s electric skateboards are clean, quiet, and safe to ride. Commuters often use them to ride to their bus or train stops, or between home and work or school.

Assembly Bill 604 (Olsen) would allow electrically-motorized skateboard riders over the age of 13 to operate within bicycle ways in California. The bill would also authorize local governments to adopt rules and regulations regarding the boards.

AB 604 passed the Senate on a 32 to 1 vote, and will head to the Governor’s desk in the coming weeks.

Olsen represents the 12th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon among portions of Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties in the Central Valley. Follow her on Twitter: @KristinOlsenCA.