What do Americans think about scooter?

[stepthrutuner]

These laws are kind of crazy to me.

It seems a 12 y.o. can operate a 100 mph Ninja 250 that is registered and validated!

The part about operation in state parks makes no sense at all. Sounds like automatic sub 50cc scooters are not even legal there??? By "licensed" perhaps they are speaking of the operator? It is poorly worded. I don't know if this is exactly the wording of the law or a transposition?


When I ride out of town, to avoid the attention of exceeding the moped speed limit, I stick to paved secondary (roads not directly connecting towns) as much as possible since I'm not supposed to be doing over 30 mph. State troopers, I'm sure, know the laws but locals not so much.... small town and very few "mopeds" here.


Arkansas Moped Laws
Moped definition

A motorized bicycle, or moped, must have human powered pedals, an automatic transmission, a motor less than 50 cubic centimeters that does not propel the bike faster than 30mph. A moped should also be equipped with headlights with a capacity for 250 feet, a rear red reflector visible at 150 feet, a red light lamp visible at 250 feet at the rear, brakes, a horn, and a muffler.
"Motor-driven cycle" definition

This includes most mini-bikes and three wheelers. A motor-driven cycle is a vehicle that must have a motor displacement less than 250 cubic centimeters.
Licensing Information

To operate a moped, an individual is required to have a standard operator's license, but is not required to have a motorcylce license.

To operate a motor-driven cycle, there is no age limit, but operators older than 16 must possess a valid drivers license.
Registration Information

Mopeds with motors less than 50ccs and have an automatic transmission are exempt from registration fees. Mopeds with motors less than 50ccs which have a manual transmission have a $3.00 registration fee with a $2.50 validation fee. Motorcycles less than 250ccs have the same registration fees as mopeds with manual transmissions.
Moped Safety

Individuals are not required to wear helmet protection or eye protection while operating a moped.

It is illegal for a moped to carry more than one person unless it is properly equipped with a side car or seat with feet supports. However, no one under the age of 16 can carry another person as a passenger
Motor-Driven cycle Safety

Helmet and eye protection are required for their operation.
Operation in a State Park

For a motorcycle, moped, or minibike to be operated in a state park, they must be fully equipped and "licensed" to be used. Since mini bikes are not licensable in the State of Arkansas and will not be operated in state parks

[90GTVert]

It's really odd that to operate a 49cc moped you need a license, but you can ride a 249cc bike with no license. It seems like it may be written to allow kids to ride midbikes, minibikes, and the lot, but it's really odd the way it's laid out.

[erictheviking666]

Yeah that is weird! I guess that's what happens when non-riders make laws without any input from actual riders.

[stepthrutuner]

I found a more clear statement of the law. Seems one must be at least 14 y.o. to operate a 'motor driven cycle' and have a special 'MD' license.



When determining where a moped or scooter falls under Arkansas law, it basically comes down to engine displacement.

If a vehicle has an engine displacement of 250 cubic centimeters (cc) or greater, has a seat or saddle meant for riding, and is designed to travel with three or fewer vehicles (surely this word is supposed to be wheels) on the ground, it's considered a motorcycle.

If it has less than 250 cc, but fits the other criteria, it's considered a motor-driven cycle.

If it has less than 50 cc, and has an automatic transmission, it's classified as a motorized bicycle.
Motor-Driven Cycles

For the most part, the registration and licensing procedures concerning a motor-driven cycle are the same as those for other vehicles.

You can drive a motor-driven cycle if you are at least 14. If you're under 16, though, you'll need to have an MD driver's license. This is a restricted license. You may obtain one by passing the required vision, knowledge, and skills tests. If you've passed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Riders Course within 90 days of your MD license application, you don't need to take the skills test.
Motorized Bicycles

To operate a motorized bicycle, you'll need to be at least 10 years old and have a Motorized Bicycle Certificate. (You don't need to have this certificate if you already have a Class A, B, C, D, M, or MD license, or an Intermediate or Learner's permit.)

To obtain this restricted certificate, you'll need to pass the vision, knowledge, and skills test. If you've passed the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Riders Course within 90 days of your MD license application, you won't need to take the skills test.
Special Rules

Riders of any of these types of vehicles must obey the same traffic laws as other drivers. However, there are special rules to follow, too. Remember to always turn on your lights, even in the blazing sun of an Arkansas summer. Everyone riding on the bike must protect their eyes with goggles, protective glasses, or a transparent face shield. Additionally, if you're under 21, you'll be required to wear a helmet.

You may carry one passenger on your bike, if there are footrests and handholds for the passenger. If you're under 16, though, you'll have to ride alone.

[lshigham]

Jan 14, 2011 20:09:09 GMT -5 90GTVert said:

Wow. I couldn't do 38 miles on back roads and not see cars in the middle of the night.

It was freaky, a major A road connecting two cities completely deserted. I suspect that most of the traffic was on the adjacent motorway.

[95ej2]

I bought a scooter to save some gas money and to learn how 2t's work.

[speedy1125]

Cars. America. Freedom. For an American, owning your own car is a symbol of freedom, independence pride and success. Henry Ford invented the assembly line. During the 60's and 70's Detroit was putting out the most powerful automobiles on the planet. Corvette, Challenger, Mustang.
The Automobile and the freedom and adventure of the open road is intertwined with our culture and probably always will be, It's just part of being an American.

[2strokd]

I think you have brought up a great point and said it well!
I totally agree. It just sucks that more "Americans" cant be open minded when it comes to means of transport. Most Americans see a scooter or moped and think 'theres trouble' right off the bat.
That is going to take a long time (if ever) to wear off.
I like anything with wheels and a motor, always have!