New Rules of the Road

They are on the short wish list of many youngsters eager to hit the road on something more than a pedal-powered bicycle: motorized scooters or Go-peds.

But these motorized two-wheelers are also in the law enforcement list of dangerous vehicles. Officials hope to improve safety with a new law that took effect Jan. 1, the first regulations governing such scooters.

Under the law, riders of motorized scooters, including Go-peds, must be 16 years or older.

One recent accident highlights the bikes’ potential dangers: A 14-year-old Laguna Niguel boy was seriously injured Dec. 28 when he drove the Go-ped he received for Christmas into the path of a car, police said.

“He suffered a broken collar bone, a severe laceration and a concussion,” said Sheriff’s Sgt. Ted Boyne, of the department’s traffic bureau. “Parents buying these things for their kids are asking for trouble. You wouldn’t allow them to drive a car; why would you let them go out on something with even less protection?”

In 1998, the California Highway Patrol recorded 55 injuries and one death statewide involving such vehicles.

Until now, motorized scooters were not covered by state regulations.

“They fell somewhere between bicycles and motorcycles, and law enforcement did not know what do with them,” said Tracy Perry, a spokeswoman for state Sen. Wes Chesbro (D-Arcata), who introduced the legislation.

Shaun Strahm, of Myron’s Mopeds & Go-Peds in Fullerton, said younger kids may be disappointed because of the age restriction, but others have welcomed the law.

“It clarifies the confusion over what is legal,” he said.

Other restrictions include:

* A 15-mph speed limit.

* Banning scooters from roads where the speed limit for cars is more than 25 mph, unless the scooters are operated on a marked bicycle path.

* Headlights and side and rear reflectors are required if the scooter is operated at night.

* Riders must wear an approved bicycle helmet.

* No passengers are allowed.

* Scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks.

Penalties range from fines to impounding of the vehicle. For more information regarding the new law, call your local law enforcement agency.

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Safety Tips

Here are some tips for properly operating a motorized scooter.

* Riding a straight course, preferably as close to the right side of the road as possible, is advisable. Too often Go-ped operators try to compete with traffic not realizing that the Go-ped simply doesn’t have enough power or speed to stay with fast-moving traffic.

* Unexpected road hazards such as sand, gravel and wet leaves have caused several serious Go-ped accidents. The best way to prevent such accidents is to be aware of these potential dangers and steer away from them.

*”Seeing” with your ears by listening for vehicles behind you also is a good practice and might prevent a mishap.

* Always look out for the other motorists.

* Familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Study the operator’s manual just as you would an owner’s manual for an automobile.

* Before going out into traffic, go to an area where there is no traffic and practice. Learn how fast it accelerates and stops. Test its turning radius and maneuverability.

Source: Arizona Highway Patrol