In Queensland, the Northern Territory, WA & SA you can ride a
50cc
scooter on your
car license - larger scooters need a motorcycle license.
Other states and the ACT require a
motorcycle license for all
scooters.
In the ACT you are required to undergo rider training program before
you can
have a learners permit. Tenders are called for training, and the
company
who currently trains riders is called Stay Upright; they can
be contacted on 6241 3963.
Trainers provide a motorcycle, helmet and gloves and run groups through
a course
designed for people who have never ridden a motorcycle before,
some basic
balancing ability such as being able to ride a push bike will help. The
course
is held over 10 hours, usually over a weekend, and on completion new
riders will
take their course certificate to the Government shopfront and be given
a
learners permit.
There are free motorcycle specific parking spaces all over Canberra, ask for a brochure listing them at the shopfront or your scooter shop.
Yes - you can also use B-Lights
You sort of can't! Anyone who rides a scooter is automatically able
to attend
the events listed at www.motorini.com.au/club
but there is no formal structured club to join. This also means no
joining fees,
constitution, office bearers, meetings or agendas.
There is a convention when two riders (including motorcyclists - but
not
always Harley riders ;) approach each other, an acknowledgement that
you are
different from the drivers in "tin tops", as you approach another
rider you will get/give "the nod". Also at traffic lights as
someone pulls up next to you a slight inclination of the head once
you've made
eye contact is the appropriate greeting/affirmation.
If you see another scooter you could even raise the left hand in a
greeting,
much like the finger off the steering wheel in the country. The
feeling of
difference/camaraderie between the two wheelers and the rest goes
further.
If you have run out of petrol or have a flat tire the convention is
that the
next rider going past will pull over and assist!