Meet Alice. Alice takes me on little adventures with the wind blowing in my pigtails and my cares behind me. Alice is my scooter. And lately she’s not quite sure where she fits in the world of Motor Vehicles.  Scooting around with her is a lot of fun, with little hassle or expense. However, scooters do have laws.

I am guilty of not always wearing a helmet. But I follow the rules of the road and keep very aware of my surroundings. I worry though, that Alice and I are not following the laws; so I did some research.

A scooter is defined by the MVA as a 2-wheeled vehicle with a seat, a platform for the operator’s feet, an engine with a 50cc capacity (or less) and an automatic transmission. Currently 50cc scooters are not considered ‘motor vehicles’ and not required to be tagged, titled or insured. However, a recent law was passed that means (as of 2014) scooters would be then considered ‘motor vehicles’.

Scooters in Ocean City, MD under 50cc can be operated on roadways posted at 50 MPH or less. In town, they can be operated, and are encouraged to be operated, in the bus lane or the furthest right lane available – except when making a left turn, passing, or in a right turn only lane. This means that little scooters can run amongst the SUVs and even large delivery trucks that run along Coastal Highway, Route 611 and even Route 50 up to Old Bridge Road. 50cc Scooters are not allowed to go to Wal-Mart. Once you get over the Herring Creek Bridge the speed limit increases to 55MPH and you are breaking the law.

Scooter operators need to only be 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. To rent a scooter at the age of 16, you need to have additional parental or guardian permission. Rental Scooters are instructed to stay in the bus lane, not cross the 50 bridge and not go above 142nd street into Delaware where scooters are required to be tagged, titled and insured.  But just because you CAN legally take your 50cc rental Scooter to Assateague Island, I would advise against it.  Locals and vacationers fly down 611 in their packed SUVs and mini-vans, distracted, looking at the scenery. They may not be so aware of your small body riding along on your high-powered lawn mower engine topping out at 40MPH.  In my opinion, it is not safe and not smart. Stay in town.

Renters can be fined up to $100 for riding a rental scooter without a helmet. Rental scooter shops are required to give new riders a crash course in safety and provide a helmet. Privately owned scooter riders are currently not required by law to wear a helmet, though it’s advisable.

Scooters may only operate in town at a maximum speed of 30 MPH.  Like a car, it is prohibited to be using a cell phone, texting or wearing headphones while riding a scooter. You must realize you are another vehicle on the road and must obey standard traffic laws.

So you know what a scooter is, who can ride them and where you can take them around Ocean City.  But are you ready to ride one?  It seems like fun, you’ve seen them on slick commercials on fancy Italian streets, but are you ready to react when that work van runs a red light?  Are you able to maneuver out of the way when that mini-van makes a right from the middle lane? I am guessing unless you have prepared for this moment thoroughly, you are not. 158 Scooters weren’t so lucky last summer and were involved in accidents.

I have my motorcycle license and I have been through a motorcycle safety course (and highly recommend others to do so, also). I understand that drivers have blind spots, drivers are not looking for you, and frankly most drivers do not care about you. Drivers care about where they are going, getting to go-karts before they close, catching the turn to the pancake house, and not looking for you.  It is difficult to react quickly to a situation that is out of your control. And you can’t stop a motorist who cannot see you.

I understand you are on vacation or out having fun. You came to the beach and you want to relax and have some fruity cocktails.  But if you drink and drive on a scooter, the laws are the same for driving a car.  A DUI is a DUI, no matter what you’re driving.  And don’t just park that thing anywhere. You can be towed. If it’s metered parking, you need to purchase parking and rubber band the receipt to your handlebar.

Scooters are fun, but are not toys.  I love and respect Alice and cannot wait to take her on more adventures this summer – but I want us both to come home in one piece. Scooters are a way of life on the Eastern Shore. I hope we can keep it that way.

Ride Safe. Shiny Side Up.

-2wheelfever

Scooter safety tips:
  • Inspect your Scooter for proper tires, brakes and lights.
  • Wear a DOT certified helmet.
  • Wear bright or reflective clothing.
  • Don’t speed or test your driving skill limits.
  • Don’t ride in another motorist’s blind spot.
  • Use your turn signals (and remember to shut them off!)
  • Be aware of not only what’s ahead of you, but behind and beside you.
  • Keep a buffer around you, so in an emergency you can escape from danger.
  • Most important of all: Do not drink and drive.
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