Traveling short distances has never been easier than with an electric scooter. You will be able to glide along, simply using a battery for power - no pollution, no problem finding a parking space, and no need to stop for fuel. Most electric scooters are smooth to ride due to the wheels, which are the same type you would find on skates. Just like with any vehicle, you need to use common sense when riding, and always wear a helmet! In addition to all the benefits of an electric scooter also come laws.

Electric scooters are legal although there are strict regulations that govern their use. These regulations will vary from country to country, state to state, and city to city. While some states have no regulations whatsoever, most do. A majority of states do not allow scooters on public streets for safety purposes. At only 10 mph, if you needed to dodge an oncoming car, you would not have adequate time and therefore, could be hurt. Before riding your electric scooter, check with the laws where you live.

To give you a couple of examples, in the state of California, you cannot ride scooters on public streets as mentioned. In this state, electric scooters are viewed just like an electric bicycle, meaning you have to be at least 16 years of age and wear a helmet. While some laws are in existence, new laws are constantly being refined. Generally, the police will leave you alone as long as you ride safely and courteously.

There have been some riders that are stopped by the police usually because they are not riding with common sense and putting themselves and others in harm's way. In addition to riding with common sense, you should know the laws that state:

• "Electric scooters have been ruled permissible on local transit, including BART"
• "A folding electric scooter may be considered as incidental luggage for the purpose of boarding a BART train provided it is in the folded position and carried by the rider at all times. Riders will be warned or cited when the scooter is not folded. There is a ban on any type of gas-operated scooter or bike on BART, folded or not."

For the state of Washington, law enforcement has classified electric scooters as illegal on streets AND sidewalks. On the other hand, electric assisted bicycles are 100% legal. New York laws view the electric scooter as a motorized vehicle. As you can see, each state has a little different twist. Therefore, before you ride and get in trouble, determine the areas where you can and cannot ride your electric scooter.

As of January 1, 2000 there are several new laws that pertain to motorized scooters.At first glance, the scooters may have seen fairly harmless, however, there are several laws that address serious hazards that scooters can pose.The definition of a motorized scooter as stated in the Vehicle Code is: Any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator and is powered by a motor capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion (407.5(a) CVC).

The following are laws outlined in the California Vehicle Code:

1. The operator must be at least 16 years of age.
2. A driver¡¯s license is not required.
3. No insurance, registration or license plates are required.
4. The operator must properly wear a bicycle helmet regardless of age.
5. The operator may not have any passengers.
6. The operator must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
7. DUI is applicable to motorized scooters.
8. Motorized scooters may not be operated at a speed greater than 15 mph.
9. Motorized scooters may not be operated on streets with a speed limit greater than 25 mph, unless it is operated in a marked bicycle lane.
10. Motorized scooters may not be operated on any sidewalk.
11. The operator may not make a left turn at an intersection.The operator must stop and dismount at the right hand side of the roadway or curb and then complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot.
12. The handlebars must be at or below the level of the operator¡¯s shoulders.
13. The operator may not park the motorized scooter on the sidewalk if it blocks the path of the sidewalk.
14. The operator may not attach himself or herself or the scooter to any other vehicle in the roadway.
15. Equipment requirements during darkness:
    1. Must have a white headlight vesicle from 300 feet from the front and the sides.
    2. Must have a red reflector on the rear of the scooter or attached to the operator of the scooter visible from 500 feet.
    3. Must have a white or yellow reflector on each side visible from 200 feet in front and back of the scooter.
    4. Must have an engine/motor kill switch that activates when released or when the brakes are applied.
16. Motor scooters shall not emit excessive noise.This usually is the result of a modified exhaust system.

Motorized scooters can be a lot of fun

BUT! It can also be dangerous if not driven responsible.