AboutTerry Godchaux Expertise I can answer questions about vehicle safety issues, vehicular counter-terrorism training, police pursuits in general (specifically for California), emergency response in general (specifically for California), criminal justice, and police academy training.
Experience I have recently retired as a Deputy Sheriff from California. I have served in Patrol and special Investigations.
My last position for 10 years was assigned to our Regional Training Center at the Sheriff's/Police Academy. I taught at the Academy and administrated the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). I also was a subject matter expert and served as a member of CalPOST.
My specific training and expertise resides in vehicle operations, vehicle safety, code-3,pursuit, and counter-terrorism operations.
Organizations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for EVOC
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for Simulations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for the Sheriff’s and Police Academy
Former Instructor for the Las Positas College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Instructor for San Joaquin Delta College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Lead Instructor for EVOC at the ACSO Police Academy
Publications
Numerous within the S/O I had worked for.
Education/Credentials
Baccalaureate Degree
Management and Administration Certificate
Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Intermediate California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate
California P.O.S.T. Crises Management
California P.O.S.T. Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Advanced Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Environmental Engineering School
California P.O.S.T. Drug Recognition Expert
California P.O.S.T. DARE Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Tactical
California P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Awareness Instructor (DAI)
California P.O.S.T. Pursuit Driving Training Instructor (DTI)
California P.O.S.T. Basic Motorcycle School
California P.O.S.T. Motorcycle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Tactical Vehicle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Dignitary Protection Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Counter-Terrorist Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Simulator Instructor
California P.O.S.T. P.I.T. certification
Barricade Braking certification
Past/Present Clients I currently work as a contract Instructor for the Jutice Department/MPRI when training needs concerning EVOC arise outside of the U.S.
I recently was riding my friends goped in Put-in-Bay, Ohio and a cop said that it was not street legal and I was not allowed to ride it and had to walk it. Is it possible to make it street legal, what would we have to do to make it street legal, and what would we have to do regarding the state and making it street legal. I believe it would have to be ohio law, and if its even possible and what we could do to possibly change the laws in ohio to make them legal like california.
Sincerely,
David Khieu
Answer Hi David and welcome to AllExperts!
You would have to check your state laws regarding motorized scooters to ascertain if they are legal to operate on public roadways first. If they are not legal based on classification, then there is nothing you cad do or add to the Goped to make it 'street legal'.
As I am not familiar with Ohio law, this would be outside of my expertise.
As to making a motorized scooter legal to operate on public roadways in those areas where they are not currently lawful as a classification, you would have to ask you senator or assemblyman to endorse legislation in the form of a SB (Senate Bill) or AB (Assembly Bill).
While not an easy task to do, California did just that in 2000 and made the laws a little stricter in 2005:
AB-1650
SB-441
If you contact Goped and other makers of motorized scooters, they will have contacts of numerous lobbyists to assist you in your quest. I hope this helps David. Have a great day!
