The Marshall Police Department has recently received several calls in reference to motorized bicycles, scooters and mini-motorcycles. The police department says it is illegal to operate motorized bicycles, scooters and mini-motorcycles on public streets and highways unless the operator has a driver’s license.

A motorized bicycle is defined as any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with cylinder capacity of not more than 50 cubic centimeters, which produces less than three gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 mph on level ground.

Missouri law states that motorized bicycles, commonly referred to as scooters, can be operated on public streets and highways if the driver holds a valid license. Police say, “If your child can’t legally drive a car, they can’t drive a motorized bicycle on the road.”

Anytime one of these devices is operated on a Missouri roadway (city street, county road or state highway), the driver must abide by the same laws governing a motor vehicle (i.e.: stopping at posted STOP signs, driving on the right side of the roadway, yielding to approaching traffic when turning left and not exceeding the posted speed limit).

These types of vehicles are hard to see and offer no crash protection. Police say, “Law enforcement takes the safety of the motoring public very seriously. Drivers of mini-motorcycles and motorized bicycles are encouraged to wear an approved helmet.”

Motorized bicycles and mini-motorcycles that have a motor with a cylinder capacity of more than 50cc and/or the ability to travel faster than 30 mph on level ground are–by law–defined as motorcycles. As such, these types of vehicles must abide by all of the state laws pertaining to motorcycles.

Parents: Allowing your child or ward under age 16 to operate a motorized bicycle or mini-motorcycle on a roadway is prohibited by law. Police say, “Please help keep your children safe by obeying the law.”