NATCHEZ &045;&045; Motorized scooters &045;&045; some gasoline powered and some electric &045;&045; are on sale throughout the Miss-Lou but are only legal to drive on private property, not on streets.

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said he wants people to be aware these scooters cannot be ridden on the streets or on sidewalks.

&uot;The scooters are not street legal,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;They do not have an inspection sticker, they do not have a license plate. They are too small for the state to license for use on public streets.&uot;

While Mullins said the police have not had problems with the scooters yet but has had many calls, and he wanted people to be aware as they purchase the scooters.

&uot;Anyone who operates a motorized vehicle on a public street has to have a driver’s license and proof of liability insurance,&uot; Mullins said, noting these scooters are motorized vehicles although not allowed on streets.

&uot;Our primary concern at the police department is children will be injured,&uot; Mullins said. &uot;Please keep your children off public streets with the scooters,&uot; he asked the public.

Vidalia town attorney Jack McLemore told the Vidalia Aldermen Tuesday they do not need to pass an ordinance prohibiting motorized scooters on public streets because Louisiana state law already prevents them.

&uot;In my opinion, they are not safe. They are very dangerous,&uot; McLemore told the board. &uot;Children under the age of 10 don’t have good judgment on when to ride and when not to ride.&uot; Only adults age 17 and over with a valid driver license can operate the scooters on public roads, including sidewalks, according to Louisiana state law.