View Full Version : Scooters on cart path?
Mikiem
12-22-2011, 05:32 PM
I recently saw a 49cc motor scooter with no plates on the cart. Can anyone tell me if this legal? I would think it should be, if I am not mistaken, gas powered golf carts have around the same size motor, and if all the rules and
speed limits are followed by the scooters operators I would think it would be O K.
goingtothevillages
12-22-2011, 05:59 PM
My wife and I were thinking about purchasing a pair of 49.9 cc scooters - I asked around and everyone said they thought it would be OK on the cart paths = but haven't had (nor actually inquired) about an official answer. You might want to call the Sumter Cty Sheriff's office for an accurate answer (we definately will do before we purchase them).
Uptown Girl
12-22-2011, 06:07 PM
I am not an expert on the rules Mike, but why does this sound okay to you?
Who cares how slow they drive the scooter.... can it DO 40mph? 50mph? If so, it is not equivalent to a golf car.
We can't drive a motorcycle on the golf car paths OR in a golf car lane on the street.... what would make a scooter different? Surely not absence of a plate?
It is my opinion that a scooter is in the same category as a car/motorcycle, and should be subject to the same rules and regulations. I'd check the Sheriff's office for the real info.
angiefox10
12-22-2011, 06:17 PM
When we were at The Villages Golf cart store they were selling scooters. I asked about them and we were told they were for driving the golf cart paths. I asked about my 150cc scooter and they said I could drive it on the golf cart path.
Not saying that I know anything, just saying what I was told.
goingtothevillages
12-22-2011, 06:21 PM
I'm also not an expert but I've been told that anything under 50 cc goes by the same rules as a golf cart - and anything 50cc or over goes by the same rules as a car. Basically, the under 50cc vehicles don't require a license plate, insurance, and you don't need a drivers license to operate. Guess that's why they are allowed on the cart paths.
angiefox10
12-22-2011, 06:28 PM
I'm also not an expert but I've been told that anything under 50 cc goes by the same rules as a golf cart - and anything 50cc or over goes by the same rules as a car. Basically, the under 50cc vehicles don't require a license plate, insurance, and you don't need a drivers license to operate. Guess that's why they are allowed on the cart paths.
And maybe the gentleman I was speaking to at the Golf cart store thought I has a smaller scooter. That would make sense.
redwitch
12-22-2011, 07:11 PM
When I bought my scooter, I went to vehicle registration at the Sheriff's office. I was told that I did not have to have insurance but the scooter had to be registered regardless of engine size. It was okay to drive it on the golf cart paths, but I would have to wear glasses. So, it is registered, insured and I am helmeted with glasses.
goingtothevillages
12-22-2011, 07:21 PM
Tks for the info - sounds good. Question - do you normally wear glasses or do all scooters, motorcycles, etc. drivers have to wear some form of goggles and/or glasses?
angiefox10
12-22-2011, 07:35 PM
When I bought my scooter, I went to vehicle registration at the Sheriff's office. I was told that I did not have to have insurance but the scooter had to be registered regardless of engine size. It was okay to drive it on the golf cart paths, but I would have to wear glasses. So, it is registered, insured and I am helmeted with glasses.
Red,
What cc is your scooter?
Penguin
12-22-2011, 07:35 PM
Tks for the info - sounds good. Question - do you normally wear glasses or do all scooters, motorcycles, etc. drivers have to wear some form of goggles and/or glasses?
It is required by Florida law that eye protection must be worn when operating a scooter or motorcycle. Common sense also dictates eye protection a must.
chuckinca
12-22-2011, 08:55 PM
"It is required by Florida law that eye protection must be worn when operating a scooter or motorcycle."
Common sense also dictates HEAD protection a must.
.
Bill-n-Brillo
12-22-2011, 09:24 PM
....... Common sense also dictates eye protection a must.
Ditto. A bug hitting you in the eye......at any speed......would not be a good thing.
Bill :)
Asked at the Sheriff's office and was told 49cc scooter is legal on the cart path roads but 50cc and up is verboten.
CarGuys
12-22-2011, 11:27 PM
Can you run a under 50 cc scooter on the main roads also with Helmet and Glasses or is that a big No No? Is there a speed limitation of these?
In New Jersey one can run a 49 cc scooter on the main roads so I would suspect one can ride them here in Florida also.
Uptown Girl
12-23-2011, 05:23 AM
Okay guys, 'splain to me ... how fast can a scooter like this go?
Truly, when Hubby and I were on a path the other day, we encountered a fellow traveling the opposite way on a licensed scooter (no glasses, no helmet) who was riding along at what felt to be at least 30mph.
Maybe that is hokey dokey.... I've had street legals leave me in their dust on the paths when I'm doing 20 mph....
Just seems that if the paths are for 20mph vehicles (or 19.5, to be exact as I am told)
then, WT heck?
Biker Dog
12-23-2011, 05:50 AM
:cus:I think any street legal vehicle, wether it be a scooter or cart, should not be on the cart path. They are street legal for use on the street so they should stay on the street.:spoken:
Posh 08
12-23-2011, 05:55 AM
Okay guys, 'splain to me ... how fast can a scooter like this go?
Truly, when Hubby and I were on a path the other day, we encountered a fellow traveling the opposite way on a licensed scooter (no glasses, no helmet) who was riding along at what felt to be at least 30mph.
Maybe that is hokey dokey.... I've had street legals leave me in their dust on the paths when I'm doing 20 mph....
Just seems that if the paths are for 20mph vehicles (or 19.5, to be exact as I am told)
then, WT heck?
I've tried to google and find a top speed for a 49cc but it appears to vary widely. Some say 30mph. I noticed that there are "speed kits" available so.... lookout :icon_wink:
Whalen
12-23-2011, 09:51 AM
Okay guys, 'splain to me ... how fast can a scooter like this go?
Truly, when Hubby and I were on a path the other day, we encountered a fellow traveling the opposite way on a licensed scooter (no glasses, no helmet) who was riding along at what felt to be at least 30mph.
Maybe that is hokey dokey.... I've had street legals leave me in their dust on the paths when I'm doing 20 mph....
Just seems that if the paths are for 20mph vehicles (or 19.5, to be exact as I am told)
then, WT heck?
:cus:I think any street legal vehicle, wether it be a scooter or cart, should not be on the cart path. They are street legal for use on the street so they should stay on the street.:spoken:
:agree:
Penguin
12-23-2011, 10:05 AM
:cus:I think any street legal vehicle, wether it be a scooter or cart, should not be on the cart path. They are street legal for use on the street so they should stay on the street.:spoken:
I totally agree, when you mix vehicles that have different levels of performance you will have consequences. Kinda like putting a bunch of Ferrari's on the streets of downtown Chicago. The lure for me of driving a golf cart everywhere was the peaceful drive.
dillywho
12-23-2011, 10:45 AM
We have just a regular ol' (kinda old at that) cart. My question is:
With many of the regular cart owners "juicing" up their carts (ours isn't and won't be ever) to run well over 20, what's the difference in allowing the street legals on the paths and the juiced up non-street legals?
cappyjon431
12-23-2011, 11:47 AM
We have just a regular ol' (kinda old at that) cart. My question is:
With many of the regular cart owners "juicing" up their carts (ours isn't and won't be ever) to run well over 20, what's the difference in allowing the street legals on the paths and the juiced up non-street legals?
We have a street legal GEM and have been told by several authorities (including Sumter County Sheriff's office) that it is legal to ride on the multi-modal paths. I prefer going on the street, except on stretches of Morse where it is a 30 mph speed limit and a single lane (makes it difficult for cars to pass).
Juiced carts can be ticketed for not having proper safety equipment on a cart that exceeds 19 mph. It is unlikely that they would be ticketed on the multi-modal paths, but it is possible.
Grannynance
12-23-2011, 12:32 PM
Why would you want to ride on the cart path in the first place. The idea of having a scooter is to be able to go many places using the highway. I have owned a scooter for many years and find them very useful on short trips. As for speed a 49cc will move along as 30 to 35 very nice the only place a 49cc and under may not be ridden in FL is on the interstates. No helmet is required and where this statement of wearing glasses comes from I have never heard of that. I think the scootors that are sold in the villages golf cart stores are electric.
The Village Girl
12-23-2011, 01:49 PM
Why would you want to ride on the cart path in the first place. The idea of having a scooter is to be able to go many places using the highway. I have owned a scooter for many years and find them very useful on short trips. As for speed a 49cc will move along as 30 to 35 very nice the only place a 49cc and under may not be ridden in FL is on the interstates. No helmet is required and where this statement of wearing glasses comes from I have never heard of that. I think the scootors that are sold in the villages golf cart stores are electric.
Whoa... Now you've done it!!!! *hiding under bed*
Shimpy
12-23-2011, 04:08 PM
No helmet is required and where this statement of wearing glasses comes from I have never heard of that. I think the scootors that are sold in the villages golf cart stores are electric.
Anyone who rides a motorcycle can vouch for the law that eye protection must be worn. A windshield doesn't qualify, only glasses, goggles or the faceshield on a helmet. I've known those that have gotten tickets for not riding with protection.
Grannynance
12-23-2011, 05:19 PM
Well les I must correct myself the state of Florida does require eye protection to be worn, but it also states that a windshield is excepted. So I have learn something new. I have been riding scooters and motorcycles for 50 years I guess a person is never to old to learn something. So I stand corrected. Thanks. As to the posting about getting under the bed guess I don't get it . Guess sometimes it doesn't pay to jump into postings.
The Village Girl
12-23-2011, 07:30 PM
Well les I must correct myself the state of Florida does require eye protection to be worn, but it also states that a windshield is excepted. So I have learn something new. I have been riding scooters and motorcycles for 50 years I guess a person is never to old to learn something. So I stand corrected. Thanks. As to the posting about getting under the bed guess I don't get it . Guess sometimes it doesn't pay to jump into postings.
I was afraid that everyone would jump on you about the comment and I didn't want to get hit with "friendly fire". As it turned out Shimpy responded and was kind. Right or wrong doesn't make any difference. You have every right to write whatever post you want. Doesn't mean, I won't "try" to be funny.
See.... Sometimes the women on TOTV aren't mean.... :)
Bill-n-Brillo
12-23-2011, 08:51 PM
Anyone who rides a motorcycle can vouch for the law that eye protection must be worn. A windshield doesn't qualify, only glasses, goggles or the faceshield on a helmet. I've known those that have gotten tickets for not riding with protection.
Interesting to know that's the way it is in FL, Shimpy. In OH, a windshield alone will suffice! I always wear glasses as well, even with a windshield. Only makes good sense to me - even with a full windshield, I've had bugs whack into my glasses before.......scary!
Bill :)
Posh 08
12-24-2011, 06:41 AM
Interesting to know that's the way it is in FL, Shimpy. In OH, a windshield alone will suffice! I always wear glasses as well, even with a windshield. Only makes good sense to me - even with a full windshield, I've had bugs whack into my glasses before.......scary!
Bill :)
I had an Algebra teacher, had one eye, mad as a hatter. He wrecked his motor cycle. The guy riding on the back said all he heard was "bug in my good eye, bug in my good eye!" :loco:
Mikiem
12-24-2011, 10:53 AM
I know that scooters have a speedometer, and if people are on the cart path with a 49.9 CC scooter all they have to do is obey the same rules as golf carts. Why would it matter what speed they are capable of as long as the laws are adhered to.
Mikeod
12-24-2011, 02:12 PM
I know that scooters have a speedometer, and if people are on the cart path with a 49.9 CC scooter all they have to do is obey the same rules as golf carts. Why would it matter what speed they are capable of as long as the laws are adhered to.
Bingo! We have a winner! Absolutely correct. The multi-modal paths are able to handle a mix of vehicles as long as people navigate with care and SHARE the road. I don't mind a scooter on the paths as long as it is driven at about the same speed as the carts, i.e., don't be going 30-35 on the paths. Same for street legal carts, I don't mind those, either, with the same caveats. Pass when it is safe to do so, leaving a safe distance between passer and passed. All users of the paths, including bicycles, roller blades, walkers, carts, and scooters, should be aware of others on the path and try not to block passage in either direction.
beachgirl
12-24-2011, 07:23 PM
Hi, I am a scooter owner. I checked out the rules and laws here before I bought mine.
I have a 49 cc scooter which is legal to ride on golf cart paths. I do have a license plate and insurance. I can go no faster than golf carts. I ride only in the golf cart lanes on the roads and golf cart paths. My husband plays golf and I play tennis, so this is an inexpensive way of having a second golf cart. By the way, mine is a Honda scooter and I love it!
Barefoot
12-25-2011, 01:20 AM
I had an Algebra teacher, had one eye, mad as a hatter. He wrecked his motor cycle. The guy riding on the back said all he heard was "bug in my good eye, bug in my good eye!" :loco:
I'm sure it isn't politically correct to laugh at this. But it's the funniest post I've read in years. :1rotfl::ho:
skyguy79
12-25-2011, 10:13 AM
I'm sure it isn't politically correct to laugh at this. But it's the funniest post I've read in years. :1rotfl::ho:HEY, I see nothing wrong with finding humor about a teacher wearing a Playtex undergarment with some living green stuff growing on it! http://www.allpest.com/wot/smileys/crazy.gif
http://www.allpest.com/wot/smileys/reindeers.gif
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