Riders, opponents debate motorized scooter safety

By Kawehi Haug and Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writers

Go-peds are going, going — but not quite gone.

While Mayor Jeremy Harris yesterday was considering whether to approve a City Council ban on gas-powered scooters, supporters said they'll fight to save them.

"I think it's kind of ridiculous. They weren't really a problem," said Ricky Matsumoto, owner of Pure Speed, a Wahiawa shop that sells the scooters.

Matsumoto and others yesterday said the scooters — known as go-peds — are used by hundreds of O'ahu residents for business, transportation and pleasure. The City Council bill banning them from public streets and sidewalks is an overreaction to complaints from a few residents, they said.

Opponents, however, insisted the go-peds, which can reach speeds of up to 45 mph when modified, are dangerous and noisy.

"They're the No. 1 thing we hear complaints about," said Kathy Bryant-Hunter, chair of the Kailua Neighborhood Board. "Last year when the board marched in the Fourth of July parade, all we heard from people on the street was, 'Do something about those scooters.' "

The main concern, Bryant-Hunter said, was for the safety of the riders.

Ann Kalilikane, an 'Ewa mother whose 11-year-old son, Adam, rides a go-ped between home and after-school activities, said the scooters are safe. Adam always rides with a helmet and flashing red light, she said.

"Instead of banning them altogether they should regulate them," she said.

Melinda Pettibone of 'Ewa Beach said it's safer for her son to use the motorized scooter instead of ride a bicycle to go to school, run errands and deliver newspapers. He has had a scooter for 15 months with no injuries or accidents, she said.

"I can't imagine that this is a safety issue," she said. "I think it's a noise issue and you can't put a limit on noise. If you could, you would have to ban Weedwackers and Harleys."

Albert Young, manager of Scooter Alley in Honolulu, which sells two to three gas-powered scooters a week, said they are used by more than 100 newspaper carriers for deliveries and by adults who often park their cars outside the city and commute to work.

Council members cited safety concerns when passing the bill on Wednesday.

"I'm really happy. They are really dangerous," said Leilani Ramsey, who twice testified before the council on the measure after she almost hit a young boy on a speeding scooter in her Moanalua neighborhood.

"They're a danger not only to themselves, but to drivers," she said. "There are times when groups of six boys go speeding around the neighborhood at 10:30 on a weeknight. It's noisy, but to me it's more about safety."

The bill addresses only gas-powered scooters designed to be ridden while standing up. Supporters said they would strongly oppose a similar ban on electric-powered scooters, which are slower and quieter.

City spokeswoman Carol Costa said yesterday the mayor would consult with the Honolulu Police Department before making a decision on whether to sign the bill.

"We're confident that the mayor will make the right decision," Young said. "He's a good man and he'll do what's right."

No matter what happens, Pettibone said she'll still be a go-ped supporter.

"I'm not going to let my son stop riding it even if the bill passes completely," she said.