Friday, September 26, 2003
The scooters can be driven legally only on private property.
NEWTON FALLS -- A new trend in transportation is causing lawmakers across the country to rewrite local laws. Newton Falls is hoping to put the brakes on licensing problems before they speed away.
Pint-sized motor scooters, both electric and gas-powered, are popular among children as recreational toys. The problem, though, stems from the lack of a licensing law pertaining specifically to the scooters.
The scooters are considered motor vehicles under the Ohio Revised Code, but the code fails to mention any details on the scooters.
"There is no means to get a license, no licensing statutes and no mention of helmet laws," said Richard Schwartz, city law director.
On Tuesday, city council addressed the issue at its regular meeting.
"Every day we get calls from parents asking if they should buy the scooters for their kids," Police Chief Robert Carlson said.
Here's the problem
Because they are considered motor vehicles, the scooters are prohibited from being driven or pushed on sidewalks. Because there is no means to get a license for the scooters, drivers cannot drive them on the roads, officials said.
The only place the scooters can be used at this time is on private property.
Since most users of the scooters are under age 16, they can be charged with driving without a license and driving an unlicensed motor vehicle if found driving the scooters, officials noted.
Carlson did not say if the police department would enforce the laws.
"We could amend the current motor vehicle laws, but you would have to be very, very careful on how you worded it, to make sure it didn't pertain to all motor vehicles," said Schwartz.
The scooters were introduced to the public about three years ago but have climbed in popularity within the last year.
The scooters can go anywhere from 5 mph to 20 mph, depending on engine size and load.