BMV: Low numbers for area scooter registration

• Only 234 scooters have been registered with the BMV over seven East Central Indiana counties.
• A new state law requiring registration took effect Jan. 1.
• As the weather gets warmer, registration numbers are expected to rise.

According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, only 234 motor-driven cycles have been registered across seven East Central Indiana counties since a new state law took effect Jan. 1.

The law requires registration of mopeds or scooters.

The Associated Press reports more than 4,100 of the vehicles have been registered throughout the state.

Regional numbers account for less than 1 percent of that figure.

Wayne County leads the way with 106 registrations, followed by 62 in Delaware County, 24 in Jay County, 15 in Henry County, 13 in Randolph County and 11 in Blackford County. Only three scooters have been registered in Union County.

Lt. Donnie Benedict of the Richmond Police Department Traffic Division said he wasn’t surprised by the low numbers given the recent bad weather.

“I would anticipate that scooter registration will spike in the springtime and into the summer,” he said.

“I have noticed when I’ve been out that the majority of the scooters I’ve seen have plates on them,” Benedict added.

That’s a good idea, because a 30-day grace period offered by many law enforcement agencies has come to an end.

Proof of ownership is required for registration. Mopeds and scooters are divided into two classes based on motor size.

All regional registrations so far — and the majority of registrations statewide — have been for Class B vehicles with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or less.

Drivers of Class B scooters may be as young as 15. Helmets are required for drivers younger than 18. The vehicles must have headlights illuminated while in operation and cannot exceed 35 miles an hour. Passengers are not allowed.

No insurance is required for Class B.

Drivers without a license must have a valid state identification card and pass a test on road signs. The registration and license plate cost $25.35.

For more information and a description of requirements for Class A motor driven cycles, go to www.in.gov/bmv/3221.htm.

Staff writer Louise Ronald: (765) 973-4469 or lronald@pal-item.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/LouiseRonaldPI.