Gas prices have spurred rise in use of alternative vehicles

A recent increase in gas prices has spurred a rise in the number of alternative vehicles on Minnesota’s roadways.
International Falls Police Sgt. Willi Kostiuk said that officers are attempting to educate people about the laws regarding motorized bikes, also known as scooters, before they begin writing citations to violators of those laws.
Kostiuk said the laws are intended to help keep people safe.
“We want to work with everybody and education is the best way,” he said.
The driving of scooters, which are less than 50 cubic centimeters or less, on roadways is governed by a number of state rules. Without compliance, operators can be issued citations, explained Kostiuk.
Among the state laws that apply to the operation of scooters on a roadway are: valid driver’s license; under the age of 16 required to have a motorized bicycle permit; registered with the state; covered by insurance; headgear for people less than 18; eye protection; passengers are not allowed, unless a parent or guardian and only if the scooter equipped for a passenger.
“Each one of these things is covered by state statute,” he said of the laws.
When purchasing from a licensed dealer, a 21-day permit should be provided, which gives the buyer time to get the vehicle registered. The seller must provide the purchaser with a manufacturer’s statement of origin, which is required when registering the vehicle, Kostiuk said. Registration also requires a valid driver’s license, insurance and a paid sales receipt, he added.
Kostiuk said officers see a lot of operators without registration and insurance.
“Technically, those are two very, very costly fines, especially no insurance,” he said. “And technically, the officers can take the vehicle, have it impounded and that person can only get it back after showing proof of insurance. Of course, that’s after paying the fee of being towed and fee of being stored.”
Kostiuk said people should also know that riding scooters more than two abreast is a violation of state law. And he added that there are many more laws about scooters that people should know. He supplied the accompanying summary, and said more information can be found at the Minnesota Legislature — Office of Revisor of Statutes Web site.
“Ignorance of the law is not a defense,” he said. “You should know, when you get on that thing, the rules that govern that particular motor vehicle.”
Vehicles more than 50 cc are considered motorcycles, which have different requirements, including a motorcycle endorsement.
“It’s a whole new ball park,” he said.
Drivers are also using what’s known as “side-by-sides,” which fall into a Class II all terrain vehicle category and weigh 800 pounds or more. Class I ATVs are regular four-wheelers, which are prohibited from city streets.
Class II ATVs are legal to drive on city streets, but there are state laws that must be followed, explained Kostiuk.
These kinds of vehicles are prohibited from being driven in the lane of traffic, and should instead be driven on the furthest right portion of the street.
In addition, these vehicles must be registered with the state and the numbers displayed, must have working break lights, seatbelts and other features, and passengers under the age of 18 must where a helmet.
“The most important thing is obey the rules of the road; stay to the farthest right side of the road,” he said. “(Operators) will get pulled over for going in the lane of traffic and could potentially be cited for that because they’re violating state law.”
Kostiuk, who owns a side-by-side, said he doesn’t want the laws on these vehicles to be made more strict because some people continue to break the laws.
“It’s not a right to drive, it’s a privilege to drive, and that includes motorized bicycles, motorcycles or whatever,” he said. “You need to know the rules prior to getting on them and obey the rules.”

Laws regarding motorized bicycle
Definitions and Requirements for a motorized bicycle.
• Electric or a liquid fuel motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour. (Minnesota Statue 169.01 Subd. 4a.) (Brake horse power of 2.1 or high is considered to be classifies as a motorcycle.)
• Individual must have valid drivers license or motorized bicycle permit issued under Minnesota Statute section (171.02, subd.3), which allows an individual who has attained the age of 15 years and has passed the written examination and successfully completed an approved safety course prescribed by the commissioner of public safety.
• Protective headgear must be worn by an individual under the age of 18. (Minnesota Statute 169.23 Subd. 2 (4)
• Protective eye device is required while operating a motorized bicycle. (Minnesota State Statute 169.974 Subd. 4)
• Passengers are not permitted on a motorized bicycle unless the operator is under the age of 16 and accompanied with a parent or guardian. The vehicle must also be equipped with a seat and footrests for a second passenger. (Minnesota Sate Statute 169.223, Subd. 2. (1)
• The individual is required to register the motorized bicycle in accordance with the laws of this state and has the number plates for the current year. (Minnesota State Statute169.79 (a) Individuals must produce their Manufacture Statement of Origin, paid sales receipt and valid drivers license in order to register their vehicle.
• Insurance is required on a motorized bicycle when operated on a roadway and to have it available when asked by law enforcement. (Minnesota State Statute 65B.48 Subd. 5/ 169.791)
• A motor piston displacement of 51 cubic centimeters or greater is considered a motorcycle and must be registered as such. An individual is also required to have the appropriate requirements for this motor vehicle.
For a complete list of laws regarding motorcycles and associated vehicles, visit the Minnesota Legislature Office of the Reviser of Statutes Web site.