Motor
scooters, both electric scooters and gas scooters, are a
style of motorcycle that have a step through frame and have
become a very popular method of travel all over the world.
They have been scooting out of show rooms at record speed.
But what many people do not realize is that motor scooters
are classified as motor vehicles when it comes to highway
regulations. And although they are an object of desire for
many they can also be dangerous for many.
They
are typically regulated by state laws as either motorcycles
or mopeds and are subject to many of the same regulations
as other motor vehicles. With a careful and alert driver
a scooter can be as safe as any other vehicle on the road.
But accidents frequently occur when motor scooter drivers
think they are exempt from the conventions that apply to
automobiles.
Are
they Safe?
Motor
scooters (sometimes called mopeds or go peds) are commonly
purchased for use by children and teenagers, most of whom
do not even possess a valid license to drive. Licensed drivers
have had a certain amount of training behind the wheel of
a car, unlike many motor scooter drivers under the age of
16. Without proper training children and young teenagers
can easily find themselves in positions that experienced
drivers normally would not.
Darting
in and out of traffic with little driving experience, on
a motor scooter that is so small it cannot be seen by other
drivers, poses a hazard to both the scooter driver and other
motorists traveling the highway. To be safe a motor scooter
driver must think of himself as being invisible to the other
drivers making their way down the busy streets. A scooter
driver cannot assume that other drivers will see them.
A
safe approach for a scooter driver would be to assume that
they are completely invisible to other drivers and then
act accordingly. A motor scooter rider must be ready to
maneuver out of harm's if another driver makes a sudden
unexpected movement. Being safe means staying alert at all
times. Being safe also means following the rules of the
road and not making unnecessary or risky moves in traffic
that would cause their moped scooter to dart out in front
of another moving vehicle. Automobile drivers must have
time to react to a scooter driver's movements.
There
are many reasons to own a motor scooter. They are often
used for traveling short distances around the neighborhood
to perform errands. Due to their size, fuel-efficiency,
weight, and typically larger storage room than a motorcycle,
they are ideal in this situation. But in the hands of the
youth, without any previous driving experience, they can
be deadly.
The
ATV, go carts, dirt bikes and mini bikes are other vehicles
that are often owned and operated by younger drivers. ATVs
are usually used off road along with dirt bikes and mini
bikes. Go karts are typically driven on paved tracks specifically
made for the go cart. The go kart, mini bike, dirt bike
or ATVs don't usually get out on the open road where there
are cars to contend with. Therefore they also avoid many
of the dangers that scooter drivers must face.
Motor
scooters are the latest craze, especially among the youth
market looking for a quick, cheap form of transportation.
These youths can be too young to own a driver's license,
and the result is a dangerous situation. They are more popular
than ever, but as their popularity grows, people's awareness
of driving regulations has not kept pace, especially among
the younger generation.
Kids
often think of motor
scooters as toys, not as adult vehicles. But a scooter
is not a toy. Its a potentially dangerous motor vehicle
subject to certain laws and regulations. Also, youth often
think of themselves as being immune to automobile driving
regulations and immune to accidents as well. "It won't happen
to me" is a very common attitude among the youth. But its
precisely this attitude that can get them into trouble.
People
need to be aware of the potential motor scooter dangers
and take appropriate action. Scooter riders should pay special
attention while driving, making sure not to drive erratically,
but to be predictable and courteous to other drivers on
the road.
Both
kids and adults need training and experience before attempting
to maneuver their scooters out in traffic. If parents will
take a little time to train their children, making sure
they are aware of the rules of the road before they are
allowed to travel on them, it could make driving a pleasure
instead of a danger. With a little training and some wise
words of advice we can all make a difference in the lives
of the youth. Give them some training and experience and
their motor scooters may be an object of fun instead of
injury.
About
The Author:
J
Larry Alan is an enthusiast of motor
scooters. He enjoys driving motorcycles and motor scooters.
He also enjoys promoting scooter safety. For more information
visit his site about gas
motor scooters.
Are
Motor Scooters Safe? Yes and No!
Are
Motor Scooters Safe? Yes and No!
Are
Motor Scooters Safe? Yes And No! Article - Automotive
