Motor scooters: Not just child’s play Published Sept. 19, 2008 By Tech. Sgt, Parrish Hollingsworth 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Recently, the use of motorized scooters has increased on base. Children enjoy riding them, but parents need to be aware of legal and moral obligations associated with the purchase of scooters. Hurlburt Field doesn't have specific rules or regulations for the motorized scooter. Therefore, the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron will enforce the State of Florida rules and regulations. Parents should take into consideration the following when deciding if they should purchase a motor scooter: - All motorized scooters are considered motor vehicles. Because scooters don't have license plates, lights or registration, the law doesn't allow them on any public roads - even if the operator has a driver's license as required for all motor vehicle operators under Florida law. - It's illegal to ride scooters on sidewalks, bike paths or roadways. At this time, motorized scooters can only be ridden on private property which limits use for most people. Parents who purchase motorized scooters for their children should also be aware of certain potential safety hazards. Most children who receive motorized scooters as gifts are too young to obtain a license to operate a motor vehicle, and are unfamiliar with traffic laws. They may be oblivious to traffic hazards and problems that drivers of larger vehicles face, such as blind spots, slick roads and long stopping distances. As a safety precaution and because it violates current state law, motorized scooters have no place on the roadways of our base. Parents who choose to purchase motorized scooters for their children should educate them on vehicle safety and ensure they comply with Florida state laws. Along the same lines, the use of any off road vehicle (all terrain vehicle, go cart, etc.) is prohibited on base, including all housing areas. Military personnel are responsible for their dependants and will be held accountable if their family members are discovered operating any prohibited item on base. For more information about motorized scooters and other safety topics, visit the Florida Highway Patrol's Web site at http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/ or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' Web site at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us. You may also call police services at 884-6185.