Motorized Scooters and Motor Scooters

Motor scooters have become a popular form of transportation over the past several years with children and teens. However, their use on public roads and sidewalks can be dangerous and they are illegal. Many models exist in today’s market. Typically a motor scooter is a two tandem-wheeled (one in front of the other) vehicle powered by an engine (gasoline or electric) that may or may not have a seat or saddle for the driver. The term motor scooter includes small motorcycles, mini-bikes, mini-cycles and the more recent “pocket bikes” and “pocket rockets,” as well as motorized standing scooters. A misconception is that scooters that have an engine with less than five brake horsepower do not fall under regulations. All scooters, regardless of horsepower, are regulated.Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, motor scooters are classified as motor vehicles. To be legally operated on the road, a motor scooter is required to be registered, inspected and insured. However, many scooters do not have the equipment requirements needed to pass inspection. Unlike conventional motor vehicles, motor scooters are uninclosed vehicles that expose the operator to the risk of an immediate, unprotected impact with other motor vehicles and pedestrians, without the benefit of safety equipment such as fenders, turn signals, lights or tires suitable for highway use. Moreover, many of the motor scooters are not certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, minimum federal equipment standards required for all new vehicles, which are manufactured for use on the roadways.

In addition to the registration, inspection, equipment and insurance requirements, scooters may not be operated by unlicensed drivers if driven on highways or public sidewalks. Scooters are commonly purchased for use by children and teens, most of whom do not possess a driver’s license. While it is legal for foot-powered, non-motorized scooters to be used on sidewalks, electric or gas motor-powered versions can only be ridden on private property. There are a few motor scooters, however, manufactured for highway use. These scooters have a certification label on them, which certifies that they meet federal equipment standards. A 17-digit VIN also affixed on these scooters by the manufacturer, transferable to the purchaser with either a manufacturer’s certificate of ownership or a title. These scooters conform to federal and state vehicle equipment requirements and standards and, when properly registered, inspected and insured, may be operated on the highway by a licensed driver.