*** Motor-assisted scooters cause fuss in Eugene ***

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- 06/16/2004
Locals in Eugene are griping about the increasing popularity
of motor-assisted scooters - similar to skateboards, only
with handlebars, and with small, rear-mounted engines.

Oregon law allows the vehicles on some public roads but only
if the rider is at least 16. In Eugene, they're allowed on some
city trails, but not on others.

City council members in Eugene are planning a work-session on
the topic. They are not alone is dealing with the issue, especially
among Western cities.

Seattle and nearby communities are considering enforcing speed
limits on the scooters and possibly banning them from parks and
multiuse trails.

A Phoenix, Ariz., suburb is thinking of clamping down on
motor-scooter noise and limiting scooters to daylight hours.

The California Assembly last month passed a bill requiring licenses
or permits to drive the scooters, and bans on modifying their exhausts.

In Eugene, most people who call to complain are concerned
about noise and pollution, said Diane Bishop, the city's bicycle
and pedestrian coordinator.

But Bishop worries about safety. Some gas-powered
scooters can reach 24 mph or more, Bishop said.

"When you put that on a crowded path that is only 8 to 12
feet wide, there is the greater potential for crashes," she said.

CC - The Associated Press (AP) Wire.

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