Beware of the battery-powered 'unlicensed' scooters

They are small, convenient, inexpensive and non-polluting. Battery-powered scooters have become the new fad, especially among youngsters.

But for some the scooters are nothing more than an accident waiting to happen. And local wardens are in a quandary since there is no legislation regulating the two-wheeled potential menace.

Since they were introduced to Malta's overcrowded roads about a month ago, the scooters have received mixed reviews.

Pedestrians want them to scoot off the pavements while drivers have been cursing the sight of youngsters zig-zagging in the streets. Others have, however, welcomed the environment-friendly vehicles.

The scooters, selling for about Lm85, are powered by two 12-volt batteries and are capable of doing about 25 kilometres an hour. There are no age restrictions and no licence is required. The only bar to riding a scooter is weight: a rider must be under 85 kilogrammes.

It is a slicker version of the motorino, with features that make it irresistible to many urbanites.

Importer Joe Fenech said there had been an overwhelming demand for the scooters and listed youngsters, academics and prominent businessmen among his clients.

Mr Fenech said the importation had been covered by a police permit and insisted that scooters were only sold to children on condition they were accompanied by their parents.

All buyers are also instructed to drive the scooter on pavements and told they will be riding it at their own risk.

Mr Fenech said he had not heard of any accidents so far involving battery-operated scooters.

However, a number of local councils, especially those in localities having promenades, have expressed frustration after receiving a barrage of complaints from residents.

The president of the Association of Local Councils, Ian Micallef said that as things stood at the moment the scooters did not require any form of licence or insurance cover.

But Dr Micallef added that even though the scooter may be small it still had a motor and could cause injury or damage.

Guard and Warden Service authorised officer David Soler expressed his frustration that wardens could not do anything to avert potential danger. "We have a serious problem here. And before we know it we will soon have a serious accident with these scooters.

"When they're driven on promenades they can easily collide with pedestrians. When they're on the roads they can easily be hit by a car," Mr Soler said.

He said the only thing wardens could do in the circumstances was to educate the scooter drivers and encourage them to be prudent.

Yet, there have been a few isolated incidents where parents have actually chastised wardens who attempted to caution young drivers.

Scooter-riding has become an irresistible pastime for children. One seven-year-old girl is regularly seen riding one in Marsalforn, Mr Soler said.

He said one had to bear in mind the limited spaces available for both cars and commuters.

Mr Soler asked who would be accountable should a scooter be involved in a traffic accident.

"I know what will happen when the first accident takes place - everyone will blame the other."

The riders share different views though.

Stephen Mangion, 18, believes the scooter is a whole new way to get around the traffic-choked streets without having to worry about available parking spaces. "There is no legislation against bicycles, so why anyone would want to suggest measures against scooters is beyond me," he said.