Street Beat: When is a scooter not a scooter?

STREET BEAT

Q:These unlicensed mo-peds or little scooters that go 25 mph -- what are the rules for these things? The riders aren't wearing helmets, but they're in the middle of the road. Are they bicycles, are they mo-peds, what? Where should they be on the road? They're impeding the flow of traffic. They're cropping up everywhere. -- Ron M.

Answer: Well, they're not really everywhere. I have yet to see one on the grand staircase of The Jefferson Hotel. That sure would rattle some teacups.

But I know what you mean. The spate of high gasoline prices not too long ago had a lot of people thinking about vehicles that are more fuel-efficient.

The laws on operating these vehicles depend on how the vehicle is defined. Under Virginia's definitions, a scooter is a skateboard and what you think of as a scooter is a motorcycle -- unless it's a mo-ped.

Got that?

For example, the legal definition of a scooter says that it doesn't have a seat. It's also known as a "motorized skateboard."

What most people think of as scooters -- ones with seats -- might be classified as motorcycles. By definition, a motorcycle is capable of traveling in excess of 35 mph. Drivers have to meet the same requirements as motorcyclists, including having a license. Riders and passengers are required to wear helmets.

But scooters with less power fall under the definition of mo-peds. They have a gasoline, electric or hybrid motor that displaces less than 50 cubic centimeters. Mo-ped riders do not need a license, but they have to obey the same rules as bicycles. The law says: "No mo-ped shall be driven on any highway by any person under the age of 16." And riders should keep "as close as practicable to the right curb" to avoid impeding traffic.

And to avoid rattling any teacups.

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Answer: Who says we can't get quick action on potholes? That one appeared pretty quickly.

Street Beat is taking nominations for the area's 10 worst potholes. You can e-mail me your nominees at or leave a message at 649-6802.

Here are some more.

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Your article Sunday had Joe P. talking about all the potholes in both directions on Interstate 64 between Parham and Staples Mill roads. The worst in this stretch for sure is eastbound as one merges onto I-64 from northbound Glenside Drive, just as the merging lane aligns parallel with the interstate. At that point any driver would naturally move left from the merging lane if no other car is there. No one is no watching for a pothole. BOOM! The road underneath one's car quickly catches the attention. -- Jacqueline D.

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A pair of recessed manhole covers are just as bad as any other pothole I've ever come across. Take Hull Street Road east at the Orcutt Lane intersection. They're in the path of your right tires. Drivers who are aware of them steer more to the right, which puts you about 3 feet in front of a GRTC bus stop! All that's needed is to put those spacers on to make them even with pavement. -- Glen M.

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No bad language but I do think I said something out of order as I fell into a pothole at the corner of Westbrook Avenue and Hermitage Road. This is where cars come off Interstate 95 to stop at the stoplight before turning right onto Hermitage. It's a serious danger simply because you can't see it until you're in it. -- Cas O.