I know that we have kind of beat this subject up but I wanted to mention that around here they call the 49cc scooters 'drunk cycles' because you don't need a drivers license, insurance, or even a license plate on them to ride them on the street. So, they have become a primary mode of transportation for those drunks who have had their drivers license taken away.
Another problem with those 49cc scooters is that there are a lot of high school students who are buying them, and crashing them. Many of those kids do not know anything about the rules of the road, or much of anything about the dangers associated with riding.
I see them out on the road with bicycle helmets on, shorts and tee shirts, and sometime riding two up in heavy traffic. The scooter bogs down going up a hill but they don't have enough experience to be able to keep the bike over far enough on the side of the road to allow cars to pass them safely. Many end up getting hit or falling off during traffic hours. In one case it had rained and a kid on one of those tried to turn into his subdivision but lost control and ended up under a truck.
In all my years of driving/riding I've never seen the roads so dangerous. Congestion, distracted drivers, drivers under whatever influence, driving too fast, and road debris are my biggest concerns.
When I do wave to another rider I have to make sure some other driver won't misunderstand me thinking that I'm making a turn, waving them on to go around me, or something else beyond reason. Hence, I always check the mirrors and side streets (or other lanes) first before giving the wave.
The 49cc scoots are OK. . .but I do agree that they are easily accessible by riders who may not really be qualified or of sound mind to ride them. For those who appreciate their value however and don't misuse them they can be nice to have. . .not to mention a lot of fun under the right circumstances.
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