An Overview of Scooter Laws

As the popularity of motorized scooters has grown• The operator must wear a helmet that meets or
over the years, a number of incidents have raised theexceeds US safety standards
issue of Massachusetts scooter safety. Scooter•The operator must be at least 16 years of age, and
wrecks have lead to personal injuries, head trauma,have a valid driver's license or learner's permit
and several unfortunate deaths. Some critics have• Motorized scooters may not be operated at a
called for Massachusetts scooter laws to requirespeed exceeding 20 miles per hour
certification by the Motorcycle Safety Administration.• Motorized scooters may not be operated upon
Currently, no such legislation has been passed.any way before sunrise or after sunset
Massachusetts Scooter Laws• No passengers may be carried upon a motorized
The commonwealth of Massachusetts registry ofscooter
motor vehicles defines a scooter as a two-wheeledWhile Massachusetts scooter laws consider scooters
tandem or three-wheeled device that:to be motorized vehicles for the purposes of enforcing
• Has handlebars;traffic laws, they are not recognized as motor vehicles
• Is designed to be stood upon or sat upon by the(motorcycles) or motorized bicycles (mopeds).
operator;When You Have Been Involved In a Scooter Accident
• Is powered by an electric- or gas-powered motorin Massachusetts
that is capable of propelling the device with or withoutIf you have been involved in a scooter accident in
human propulsion;Massachusetts, you can learn about your rights by
• Is equipped with operational stop and turn signals;contacting a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer. A
andlawyer will investigate your story, and tell you whether
• Complies with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicleyou have a strong personal injury case. In such a case,
Safety Standardsyou may want to file a claim for personal injury
Additionally, Massachusetts scooter laws include thecompensation.
following restrictions