The Tempe City Council heard public comment on possible changes to the city's motorized scooter ordinance during Thursday's meeting.
The council decided to review the existing code regulating use of motorized scooters to account for new technology.
David Werner, assistant government relations director to Undergraduate Student Government, said it was the student government's position that students should retain the right to use motorized scooters in Tempe.
"There are responsible people in the community using these motorized scooters as a form of transportation instead of just a play item," Werner said addressing the council.
Werner suggested a minimum age for scooter operators as a way to prevent accidents involving inexperienced drivers.
Councilwoman Barbara Carter, who asked the council to consider the issue, said she wasn't advocating a ban.
"I am not promoting the banning of motorized scooters," Carter said.
City Council staff will review the existing ordinance and report back to the council.
Aerospace engineering sophomore John Moreau said he thought there should be greater representation of ASU students at City Council meetings.
"I decided this would be a good opportunity to get involved with government on a local level here," said Moreau, who wore a gold ASU sweatshirt to the meeting. "I think [students] should establish our place within the larger Tempe community."
Matthew Alan Lord, Graduate and Professional Student Association vice president for External Affairs, also addressed the council during the issue review session.
Lord said the GPSA could aid the council in identifying the students on campus who could serve as members of various boards and commissions.
Lord later said the GPSA is concerned with physical and urban development issues. He added that GPSA is seeking a graduate student seat for the new Joint Review Commission, which would advise the Tempe Planning and Zoning Commission.
Lord said the GPSA has provided a good example of student involvement in the community.
"We've been here, we've been very active and will continue to be," he said.
Reach the reporter at emilia.arnold@asu.edu.
