Another State Clamps Down

[kz1000st]

http://wthitv.com/2014/08/13/new-indiana-law-will-add-motorized-scooter-rules/

New York has been registering and demanding insurance on 50cc scooters for years. It amazes me that other States haven't done so.

[ventoman]

As I live in Indiana I have been following this subject for quite a while now. I like the fact that the speed limit was raised to 35 mph from 25 mph. The old laws were confusing for everyone. Any ways those who did not follow the rules before are unlikley to follow the new laws as well. But now they will not get away with it so easy.The registration is going to make the 150 cc cheaters unhappy since it will be harder to pass them off as a 50 cc like they do now.

[wheelbender6]

A reasonably fit bicyclist can do over 30mph on a smooth, level street (I've done it many times).
I don't understand why a 50cc motor scooter with better lights and brakes must be registered and insured to travel the streets at 30mph.
Texas does not require a motorcycle license for 50cc scooters. However, you must have passed the two day MSF course before getting a 50cc scooter endorsement on your drivers license. Tag and insurance also required on 50cc in TX (in my county).
In my opinion, the TX laws make riding a motorized bicycle a better deal than riding a 50cc scooter.

[kz1000st]

The problem with a 50cc scooter is all the jokers who take off the restricters or pour on a bbk. Suddenly it's not a 30 mph scooter anymore, it's hauling butt at 45 to 50, especially if it's a nasty Italian two stroke. I had a 50cc briefly. I pulled a small restricter plate out of a Lance air box and it would do 40 easily. This is a classic case of the good suffering for the bad.

[4getful2]

Revenue enhancement.

[rks]

Revenue enhancement.

You got it....And as KZ and I know, NY State is king of the hill in that department. Vehicle registration's now have a $10 annual use tax add-on....Vehicle insurance policy's, $5 DOT fee....taxes and surcharges add 27% to phone & internet plan....with the cell phone those items add 33% to the advertised price....and now, (after having our propane tanks filled yesterday) I see there is a $9.62 Hazmat Fee tacked on......Too damn many blood-suckers around....especially here in NY

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.€Thomas Jefferson

[Houndguy]

Well we all bitch about it...I would like to say one thing.

Did anyone think that the reason for the taxes is because their are now more scoots out on the streets than ever before? I don't see that as a bad thing.

They (the govt) are also starting to crack down on things like Uber (ride share), Airb2b (where you rent your room or house out to others for a few days) and "underground restaurants" - where a small group of strangers come to your house for dinner and chip in $$$.

It's a changing economy and the powers that be want a slice of it.

[Bvance554]

I don't see the $10 that VA asked from me for registering my scooter as revenue enhancement. As Hondaguy said, with more and more scooters on the road it was just a matter of time before they created some laws around them and required registration. The $10 it cost me barely covered the wage of the clerk that assisted me, so this isn't a new found source of revenue. Now had the state began assessing personal property tax on my scooter that would be a different story.