Modern Vespa

so today while driving in the South Loop area of Chicago I saw a man with a toddler(clearly under 5 years old) sitting in his lap while he was driving his scooter down the road. Due to the age difference I would assume it was his grandkid. Now I have seen this behavior in some other less developed countries but in the USA in Chicago it surprised me. The kid did not look very stable and it was a busy street. Especially with the way people drive in the city(fairly aggressively) I did not think this was a great idea. I can't even believe it is legal even though the kid did have a helmet on.

A very common occurrence in India. I spent 8 months on a work contract there and eventually got over the shock. It seemed that the only person required to wear a helmet was the driver.

If you could just turn a blind eye to it, you'd feel a lot better. From where I stand I see the problem lies with the "aggressive" (impatient) cagers, not with the toddler. We should all drive carefully, mind the others while doing it and spread goodwill on the roads. Scootering is about having fun, relaxing and adding diversity to transportation.

I'm used to it, see it everywhere here in Thailand and frankly said, don't care. I do it myself with my wife's grandchildren. We are all fine.

I agree that the problem is the aggressive drivers, but that is not only the cagers who drive aggressively I also see many PTW's driving poorly, not usually the scooters or the cruisers, though, and even many bicycle riders causing dangerous situations. Unfortunately I don't see how we can change how people drive. So many are texting, calling, reading, dressing, and so many other activities that make driving dangerous. I guess what surprised me is that this was not on a side street but a main street and it just scared me for the little kid. But you are correct it is commonplace in much of the world. Have a good day and be safe out there.

I don't know if there was at any time any imminent danger, but this behaviour is not officially condoned in the western world, so I understand you're upset. According to the law I suppose the pillion should have access to foot pegs or rests. A toddler should have a seat designed for the occasion. After all there could be a problem with the insurance company should anything go astray.

While we're at it, here's a picture I found:

I too have had the notion of riding my grandson. Not on a public street - but in the school parking lot next to my home in Ohio. A little research, and it turns out all that is required is a helmet "and" the ability to reach the foot pegs under the age of 16. I recall years ago, I saw a gentleman riding a motorcycle with a small boy, I'll say six-ish, and he had installed an extra set of foot pegs on his Honda. I didn't ask, but I now realize he was trying to comply with the BMV law here in Ohio. Just sayin.

We have the same law in Washington State. Myself and my 12 year old flouted this law until recently. As we all know, the passenger foot pegs are in a very awkward place. My 12 year old couldn't reach them comfortably, so he would rest his feet gently on my rear crash bars. Over Easter weekend I installed the SIP foot peg extenders. Wonderful mod, by the way. Moves the pegs out and back just enough so the passenger can reach them and the passengers feet don't get in the way of the drivers legs when putting there feet down for a stop.

Several people in my neighborhood ride with kids on their small scooters. I just get upset because the kid's are never wearing helmets.

I know my 7yo would love to ride on my scooter but he's just not responsible enough. Another shiny object in his view and I'd be afraid he's jump off. No sense of danger to that boy.