After Series Of Serious Crashes, Bridgeport Police Issue Warning On Motor Scooters

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Bridgeport Police Department issued a safety advisory Monday following several serious motor scooter crashes in May and June.

Police said motor scooter riders are subject to Connecticut motor vehicle laws and reminded motorists and pedestrians to watch for scooters, motorcycles and e-bikes during the warmer months because they can be difficult to see and hear.

"We have seen a fatality and numerous serious injuries involving persons riding scooters, and we haven't reached the July 4th weekend," said Police Chief Roderick Porter in a statement. "The volume of scooters on the city's streets makes enforcement difficult. Officers are seeing very young people riding them. We cannot put our citizens in further danger by pursuing riders at a high rate of speed for traffic violations. We are asking the community to be a part of the solution."

The most recent crash occurred about 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Iranistan Avenue and Laurel Avenue, where a motor scooter and a car collided. Police said both operators suffered serious injuries.

Other motor scooter crashes in Bridgeport this month occurred June 4 at Laurel Avenue and Elmwood Avenue, June 21 at West Beach in Seaside Park and June 27 at University Avenue and Broad Street.

In May, a 61-year-old Bridgeport man died after his motor scooter collided with a car on Huntington Turnpike.

Police said riders of motor scooters with engines smaller than 50 cubic centimeters must have a valid Connecticut driver's license. Those scooters do not require registration or insurance but are still subject to state motor vehicle laws. They are prohibited from operating on state highways, including Interstate 95, the Route 25/8 Connector and the Merritt Parkway. Riders or passengers younger than 18 must wear a helmet.

Scooters with engines of 50 cubic centimeters or larger are classified as motorcycles, according to police. Riders must have a Connecticut driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement, and the scooters must be registered and insured. Those vehicles are permitted on state highways. Riders and passengers ages 16 and 17 are required to wear helmets.

Police also reminded riders that motor scooters and e-bikes that cannot reach the posted speed limit must remain in the right lane or on the right shoulder except when passing another vehicle or making a left turn.

Motor scooters and motorcycles are not permitted on city sidewalks and are subject to city parking regulations.

Police said e-bikes or electric scooters producing more than 750 watts require a driver's license. Vehicles producing 3,700 watts or more are classified as motorcycles and require a motorcycle endorsement, registration and insurance.