News Story - Idaho State Journal

BOISE - Warm weather and soaring gasoline prices have more Idahoans parking their autos at home and trying motor scooters as a cheaper way to get around.

But many recent scooter buyers are new to riding and have little experience riding in traffic, do not wear proper safety gear and don't realize the risks of riding two-wheeled vehicles, according to Pat Beale with the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Operations and Safety.

Idaho scooter sales rose 24 percent in first quarter 2008 compared to the same quarter last year. ITD makes no distinction between motor scooters and motorcycles.

Scooters need registration, a license endorsement for the operator and a U.S. Department of Transportation decal certifying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards.

''Scooters are motorcycles, with all the same risks,'' Beale said.

By Idaho transportation department

This document was originally published online on Friday, June 20, 2008

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