*** End of the road for motor scooters ***

BRISTOL, RI (AP) -- 07/31/2004
The loud hum of a small gasoline-powered engine gurgled
over the passing cars on Wood Street Tuesday afternoon.
Dressed in a blue T-shirt, jean shorts and a black riding
helmet, Justin Armillotto, 14, steered his motor scooter,
equipped with a 2.5-horsepower engine, down the sidewalk
at about 25 miles per hour, dodging a few passersby
— as well as a lawnmower
— with relative ease.

The days of carefree riding could soon be over for Justin
and other youngsters who drive through Bristol on motorized
scooters. Next week, the Bristol Town Council will consider
banning such vehicles from the town's sidewalks and roadways.

"I was very angry (when I heard)," Justin said.
"My family was furious."

Town Council Chairman Richard Ruggiero said Tuesday that the
ordinance sprang out of a conversation with Town Solicitor Michael
Ursillo. Mr. Ursillo suggested such a ban in response to the multitude
of problems the City of Providence is having with similar scooters and
a request from the police department.

"We thought it might be best to look at the
ordinances we currently have," Mr. Ruggiero said.

Under the proposed ordinance, a motorized scooter is defined as
a device "designed to allow operation while the operator is standing
up and powered by an internal combustion engine that is capable of
propelling the device and operator without human propulsion." The
ordinance exempts motorized wheelchairs, registered motor scooters
and electric personal assistive mobility devices, better known as
Segways.

Anyone in violation of the ordinance would face a fine
up to $100 and up to 20 hours of community service.

The ordinance does not address the newest fad in motorized scooters
— the pocket rocket, or mini-motorcycle
— where riders squat on the bike that looks much too small for its
rider.

Bristol Town Administrator Joseph Parella said his office has yet
to receive any complaints about motorized scooters roaming
Bristol's streets.

"I think this is just a proactive approach," he said.
"I've only even seen one in town."

Police enforcement

The scooters in question are not the ones typically seen legally
shooting along the side of roads, particularly during the summer
months. The scooters being banned are a new breed, without
legal vehicle identification numbers. The typically operate on
"souped-up" weedwacker motors, Justin said.

Justin has been stopped by Bristol Police officers many times in
recent months for riding his scooter — whether it be on the
street or on the sidewalk. He said they have given him conflicting
reprimands for riding his scooter, but have also met with his parents.

"A lot of cops stop me, many cops," he said. "I can't even count
how many times I've been stopped by a police officer ...
One will say, 'Stay on the sidewalk,' and another will say,
'Stay in the road.' "

Justin said he typically rides his scooter on the sidewalk to keep
clear of oncoming traffic and ensure his safety. Not everyone in
town follows suit, though.

"I've seen some other people on them, swerving in and out of streets,"
he said. "I usually just stay on the sidewalk."

Bristol Police Lt. Nick Guercia said that motorized scooters
— like Justin's
— are becoming an increasing problem in town.
It got to the point two months ago that he contacted
Mr. Ursillo about drafting an ordinance.

"We're experiencing all kinds of problems with them," he said
Wednesday. "The problem is they are not certified to be registered
in the state of Rhode Island. If you have a motorized vehicle that is
not certified to be registered, it cannot operate on public roadways
and sidewalks."

Lt. Guercia added that the department is also very concerned
about the safety of those riding the scooters. The people that are
riding them — predominantly children not old enough to have a
driver's license — operate them as if they were riding a bicycle.
There's one problem with that, though — the motorized scooters
go a lot faster, sometimes upwards of 30 miles per hour.

"It's bad enough we have motorcycle accidents, but we certainly
don't want any children hit by someone who can't see them or
because they zip around the corner too fast," Lt. Guercia said.
"We don't want that."

When officers do come across teenagers riding scooters, they
stop the youngsters, "have them walk it home and make an attempt
to meet with their parents and explain to them our concerns," he said.
Many parents have also begun calling the police station before
purchasing a scooter — which can run anywhere from $200 to $700
— for their child.

Not just in Bristol

Scooters have become much more popular nationwide. Local
and state authorities have struggled to cope with the new fad of
riding motorized scooters or pocket rockets — bikes that resemble
mini-motorcycles. Nationwide, legislators and law enforcement
officials have met to try to devise some sort of legislation regarding
these vehicles.

Closer to home, in Providence, city officials have officially banned
any type of motorized scooter from use in public places
— including motorized skateboards and pocket rockets.
Officials there declared the motorized vehicles a public
nuisance and were very concerned with the potential safety
issues they presented. Penalties for offenders can range up to
$100 with 20 hours of community service — similar to those
Bristol wants to implement.

If the law is indeed passed by the town council next week,
Justin said he doesn't know what he's going to do. Riding
around in a driveway will not justify the hundreds of dollars
his parents paid for his scooter.

"My driveway is not the biggest thing. I live on Charles Street,"
he said.

Justin uses his Goped scooter daily during the summer to visit friends
elsewhere in the Wood Street area. His scooter with the "souped-up
weedwacker" engine will be silenced, though, if the town indeed bans
scooters like his.

The council meets Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.
in Bristol Town Hall to discuss the proposed ordinance.

At a glance: The ordinance

The ordinance before the Bristol Town Council would
ban a number of vehicles from public areas in Bristol.

Would ban:
- Stand-up scooters with motors attached
- Mini-motorcycles (pocket rockets or pocket bikes)

Would not ban:
* Motorized wheelchairs
* Segways
* Registered motor scooters, like mopeds or Vespas

At a glance: Motorized scooters
The Bristol Town Council will consider outlawing motorized
scooters from town streets and sidewalks in upcoming weeks.
Here are some facts on such scooters:
* User age:
* Typical speed: 20 to 40 m.p.h.
* Price: $200 to $1,500, depending on the model
* Engines: 40 to 50 cc
* Gas mileage: 25 to 40 miles
* Start method: Pull start

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