HONOLULU - State lawmakers on Saturday gave first-round approval to a bill that would require all moped riders to wear helmets. Current law requires helmets only for moped riders under age 18.

But many moped users say they hate the idea, calling helmets unnecessary.

Architecture student Andy Lau said his moped is an inexpensive way to travel from home in Kalihi to his classes at UH Manoa.

“I don’t think moped riders should be required to wear a helmet,” he said. “I don’t think it’s that necessary. We don’t really ride on the freeway. Most of the time, the fastest I am going is 30 miles per hour.”

Even motorcyclists were at the Legislature Saturday to protest a proposal to make helmets mandatory for all moped riders.

“We should not be placing further governmental regulations on a means of transportation that reduces congestion on our already taxed roadways, reduces pollution and saves our natural resources,” said Brian Grayling of Street Bikers United.

But government health and transportation agencies want moped riders to better protect themselves.

“The department strongly supports this bill. The legislation would reduce injuries and fatalities on our roadways because a safety helmet saves lives,” said Jiro Sumada, state transportation deputy director.

The proposed law would slap fines of up to $500 on moped users without helmets.

It’s difficult to say if a mandatory helmet requirement for mopeds like this will make it through the full Legislature. Generally, lawmakers in the past have only been inclined to pass helmet restrictions for young people.

Motorcycle drivers are regulated the same as moped users. All motorcycle and moped riders under 18 must wear helmets. State law also says that all bicycle riders under age 16 are required to wear helmets.

SOURCE: MSNBC

Hundreds of Coloradans who rely on low-power scooters to commute inexpensively will be required to insure the vehicles under a bill set for state legislative hearings today. And owners of Segways — the head-turning two-wheeled vehicles riders use while standing up — would be limited in where they can operate.

Until now, the scooters — neither motorcycle nor bicycle but with enough power to travel up to 40 miles per hour — had only to be registered with the state, a mild $5 fee every three years.

However, some owners were unpleasantly surprised to learn that homeowner liability policies that typically cover bicycles and other recreational vehicles don’t automatically cover the scooters or Segways.

“People were really shocked about the lack of liability coverage,” said Rep. Don Marostica, a Loveland Republican and sponsor of HB-1026, which is headed for a hearing today before the House Appropriations Committee.

Scooters and motorized bikes became increasingly popular last summer, when gas prices spiked above $4 a gallon. There were 5,964 registrations of motorized bicycles in Colorado in the past 12 months, according to the state Department of Revenue.

The legislation only covers scooters that are gas- or electric-powered, less than 50cc or 4,476 watts and manufactured for street use. The scooters would be limited to roadways and could not be operated on sidewalks or bike trails and paths.

“What was happening was as they became more popular, the likelihood of them colliding with cars or bikes became greater,” said Jerry Abboud, a lobbyist for the power-sports industry that sells them. “The need for insurance became more obvious. The last thing you want is a crash with a Porsche and no insurance.”

If the bill becomes law, consumers would have to pay about $100 a year to insure the vehicles. The requirement wouldn’t take effect until mid-2010.

The bill would also limit Segways to roads with speed limits under 30 mph. Colorado is one of six states where Segways, which reach a top speed of 12 1/2 mph, are not regulated because they are not considered motor vehicles under federal definitions.

The insurance requirement for scooters would not apply to Segways.

The law would allow local governments to decide whether Segways could be operated on sidewalks but not on multiuse trails in parks.

The regulation miffs Linda Reynolds, who runs Colorado Adventure Segway Tours, where tourists ride the vehicles from one historic location in Denver to another.

“Limiting use to roads of less than 30 miles per hour puts us out of business,” said Reynolds, who is also a Brighton councilwoman. “Every route we use is 35 miles per hour.”

David Migoya: 303-954-1506 or dmigoya@denverpost.com

House Bill 1026

Application of vehicle laws to low-power vehicles and defining the same:

Amendment: Adds regulations pertaining to Segways

Main sponsors: Rep. Don Marostica, R-Loveland; Sen. Suzanne Williams, D-Aurora

What it does: Makes liability insurance mandatory for owners of gas or electric scooters of at least 50cc or 4,476 watts and restricts their use from multiuse paths; also prohibits Segways from streets with posted speed limits over 30 mph and allows for sidewalk use only with local approval

What’s ahead: Hearing before the House Appropriations Committee, 8 a.m. today

SOURCE: DENVERPOST