What is a scooter?
Scooter has three common meanings:
A toy resembling a skateboard with handles attached, which is ridden standing up. It may or may not have a gas or electric motor attached, and is typically sold in toy stores. The motorized version may not legally be operated on public roads, and is sometimes referred to as a “go-ped” (a popular brand).
A type of motorized wheelchair, frequently seen in shopping malls and large stores, and intended to be operated by someone who has difficulty standing or walking long distances. These are also not intended to be operated on public roads.
A small motorcycle with a step-through frame that is intended to be operated on public roads. This meaning of scooter is often referred to as a motorscooter.
Urban Village Scooters sells this last kind of scooter, and that’s what this FAQ and the other pages on this website are talking about.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently came up with a federal definition for “scooter”. According to Part 571, Standard 123 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards a “scooter” is defined as having a platform for the operator’s feet or having integrated footrests, and having a step-through architecture, meaning that the part of the vehicle forward of the operator’s seat and between the legs of an operator seated in the riding position, is lower in height than the operator’s seat.
