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Jed Boal ReportingA battle is brewing over motorized scooters, and it could affect the way the popular toys are treated by the law.
The so-called, Pocket Bikes have taken off this spring, but they're at the center of a feud in one West Valley neighborhood.
Josh Howard and his friends like to ride their pocket bikes through their quiet West Valley neighborhood, but it seems they're driving they're neighbors nuts. Sunday neighbors called the cops and it wasn't the first time. They're upset about the noise.
Things got heated and the police tried to cool things down and issued a noise citation for a noise complaint.
Josh Howard, Pocket Biker: “The cops say you can ride them, but if your neighbors complain you're going to be cited which is a class b misdemeanor. I guess you take your chances either way."
The riders weren't breaking any traffic laws, but the neighbors want their peace and quiet. Police understand the anger on both sides and they're looking for direction themselves.
Asst. Chief Craig Gibson, West Valley P.D.: “Where do these new bikes fall? Are they a motorcycle, are they a scooter, what's the classification?"
They argue the scooters are no louder than a lawn mower, weed whacker or many other power tools. We tried to talk to the neighbors who made the complaints, but none of them were home this afternoon. Police say they want to resolve this dispute so everyone understands the law.
Asst. Chief Craig Gibson: “We're going to look to the courts for this, we may have to look to the city council or the legal department to see if we need to create an ordinance."
The men admit there's been a simmering a feud with these neighbors; the scooters lit the fuse. They hope the bikes aren't banned.
Josh Howard: “They're a lot of fun and I know there's a lot of kids that have them. Not to be able to ride them, there would be a lot of disappointment."
Neighbors and riders plan to air their attitudes at West Valley City council this evening. Other communities along the Wasatch Front are sorting out motorized scooter laws too. The Salt Lake City Prosecutor says he's working aggressively to come up with guidelines for police officers. He believes motorized scooters and pocket bikes require specific legislation at the local level.
