Motorized scooters

The first motorized scooters, the Piaggio Vespas, were gas-powered vehicles, built to provide the Italian people with point-to-point transportation over the war weary roads of post World War II Italy. Released in 1946, they soon grew in popularity all over Europe; by 1949 Vespas were produced in Germany, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Spain as well as Italy.

The last few years have seen resurgence in scooter popularity and motorized scooters are sold today in many variations, both gas and electric powered, two-wheeled, three-wheeled, and four-wheeled. Today, motor scooters are used for recreational riding as well as mobility. Even some standard kick scooters are equipped with motors that can reach top speeds of 35MPH!

However, what the country is ranting about is neither the mobility scooter nor the motorized kick scooter. The topic that has many municipalities raving is the latest rage in miniature GP Racing motorcycles, pocket bikes that frequently are referred to as motorized scooters. Pockets stand from 15 to 18 inches off the ground and weigh only from 35 to 55 pounds. Stock models can generally climb to a speed of up to 35MPH. With a little customization, many pocket bike riders can reach speeds in excess of 60MPH. Since they’re built for closed circuit racing, that’s only to be expected. However, many pocket bike riders use these zippy miniatures for day-to-day road travel as well as for racing. That’s the rub that U.S. law enforcement agencies are feeling from sea to shining sea.

Although pockets have the zip to keep up with in-town traffic, their small size makes them difficult, if not impossible, for drivers of larger, licensed vehicles to see on the road, creating a dangerous situation for traditional motorists as well as the pocket bike riders. Until recently, riders of these motorized scooters enjoyed less regulation than bicycle riders, since pocket bikes seem to be in a class of their own!

Another problem that city officials face is that because of their small size, these mini motorized scooters are a magnet for young children who want to experience the fun and power of motorcycle riding but, of course, haven’t mastered the skills necessary to maneuver a motorized vehicle.

Fortunately, along with the popularity of motorized scooters, many pocket bike clubs have surfaced and actively promote safe, closed circuit riding. Minimoto clubs throughout the US regularly offer instruction as well as demonstrations of the pocket bike’s abilities and league racing. In addition, many clubs are finding and creating new locations for riding motorized scooters of all kinds.