By Lori EhdeWith a resurgence of mo-peds, go-peds and motorized skateboards, Sheriff Mike Winkels wants to clarify rules and laws governing who gets to drive them and where."It’s been a controversial issue," Winkels said. "And a lot of people are confused about the laws."At issue, he said are three different types of scooters, each with their own set of rules.Gas-powered scootersMost problematic, Winkels said, are the gas-powered, 49 cc scooters like the yellow ones featured in the Herman Motors showroom.The "Twist ‘N Go," manufactured by Custom Motorcycles and Sidecars Inc., Preston, Wash., looks like a mo-ped and drives like mo-ped, but it doesn’t have pedals.That, Winkels said, classifies it as a motorcycle, an important distinction to recognize. Also, the scooters can reach speeds of 30 mph, while most mo-peds top out at 15 mph."A lot of people think if it’s under 50 ccs — which is what mo-peds are — you don’t need a driver’s license," Winkels said. "But you do need a drivers license if there are no pedals."He said some local 13- and 14-year-olds are driving the gas scooters — a violation that could earn them a $163 fine, and possibly delayed driving privileges until 18 years old."We have three of them racing around town, and if we catch them they’ll be dealt with."Winkels said part of the confusion stems from the law allowing licensed drivers to operate scooters smaller than 50 ccs without a motorcycle endorsement.People mistake this to mean no driver’s license is necessary. "You need a driver’s license to be driving these gas-powered scooters," Winkels said.He also added that licensed drivers younger than 18 are required to wear a helmet (a bicycle helmet will do) and eye protection while operating a scooter. Those 18 and older are required to wear only eye protection.Fifteen-year-olds who have their driver’s permits may drive the scooters with a mo-ped endorsement.Motorized skateboardsThe motorized skateboards with handlebars, Winkels said, can be driven only on private property.Operators can push them manually from one location to another on a public sidewalk, but the motors can be engaged only on private property.The "go-peds," can reach speeds of 15 mph and have no age requirement by law.Winkels reminds all skateboarders and in-line skaters that the downtown area is restricted from skating of any kind. Sidewalks are marked accordingly.Electric scootersElectric-powered scooters are creating fewer problems for law enforcement, but Winkels said the laws governing their use are most confusing.He said state legislators are still debating the merits of allowing electric scooters on sidewalks, because they were originally designed to aid pedestrians with disabilities."The speed on these is minimal (15 mph), and so far, we haven’t had too many complaints about them," Winkels said.So far, he’s telling people to ride electric scooters on sidewalks, and there’s no minimum age for operating them.Further questions can be directed to Winkels at the Rock County Law Enforcement Center, 283-5000.
