Notice
to Parents and Owners of Motorized Scooters
August 1, 2005
Several
questions about the legality of motorized scooters have been presented
to the traffic section. For those who are not familiar, these
are items being sold nationally, which resemble a metal skateboard
with a “T” handle and a small electric or gas motor attached.
They are capable of speeds of 20 mph and equipped with small hand
brakes for stopping. After extensive research into the legality
of these vehicles the Madison City Attorney’s office has surmised
that they are "not legal to
operate on city streets, public sidewalks and bike paths".
It was further explained that “Motorized scooters are motor vehicles
under state statute 340.01(35)”. The vehicles are
self-propelled but do not fall under the same category as a motorbus,
motorcycle, moped or motor bicycle. Under state statute 341.10
(1) these vehicles cannot be licensed for highway operation because
there intended purpose is not highway use. This statute also
implies that they cannot be used on sidewalks because, sidewalks are
generally within the boundaries of the highway. These
vehicles can only be used on private property (property not open to
the public).
Offenders
can be cited under State Statute
346.78 Play Vehicles Not To Be Used
On Roadway. The Madison Police Department
understands that many parents are unaware that these vehicles are not
street legal; a press release will be issued to spread the word along
with information placed in district newsletters. The primary
concern of the department is safety. Parents are advised to speak
to their families about this finding, and advise their children not to
operate them on public property. |
