Dear Sun Spots: Could you please tell me what the laws are regarding riding a motorized scooter in Lewiston and Auburn? There’s no seat, I have to stand.

One police officer I asked said it was okay, but said I need to have a light if I was going to ride it at night (like I would when riding my bicycle at night).

A few days later, another police officer stopped me and said that I could not ride it without a license. I am 17 and don’t have my license yet, which is why I use the scooter to get around. Which one was right? – No Name, Lewiston.

Answer: Scooters seem to be generating a lot of interest lately, according to Linda Grant of the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Grant says there are many variables when it comes to these vehicles. People are inclined to group them all together as “scooters,” when in fact by definition in the motor vehicle statute it might be something else. If the vehicle in question meets the following definition, then it is truly a scooter under state law and the requirements listed below apply. Grant says she cannot address a police officer’s interpretation of the law or advise which officer is right.

However, she can clarify what a scooter is which may assist you:

A motorized scooter is a scooter, under the state definition. It has a footboard between 2 end wheels. It can be electric or have an engine capacity of not more than 25 cc’s and have a maximum speed of not more than 25 mph. There are no provisions for registration. A license of any class (A, B or C) to operate or an endorsement for motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or moped is required to operate. (Someone may not have a license to operate a vehicle, but they have taken the test to obtain one of these endorsements mentioned). There are no inspection requirements. When a scooter is operated at night or at other times when motor vehicles are required to display headlights, they must have a front light that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 200 feet to the front, a red reflector to the rear that is visible at least 200 feet to the rear and reflector strips on the pedals and handlebars.

Dear Sun Spots: I was wondering if anybody around the Lewiston or Auburn area has any boxes of the old Sun Journal or any other types of newspapers that they would be willing to give away for free? Thanks for the great help! – No Name, Litchfield.

Dear Sun Spots: Concerning the reader who has shingles: I know someone who used an over-the-counter cream called capsaicin. He said it burns when applied but offers great relief once the burning stops. I think it’s made from red peppers. I think the effect lasts several hours. – Betsy Easton, Sabattus.

Answer: As with all medications, Sun Spots would urge the shingles sufferer to contact their doctor to ensure it’s okay to use this particular cream.

Dear Sun Spots: To the person inquiring about the blue lobster:

Last summer, a friend of the family caught one while fishing off the coast of Steuben. We happened to be there visiting for the weekend and I was able to take photos before it was returned to the ocean. My photo is clear, shows great color detail of the lobster. The photo is on my Web site at www.angelfire.com/me4/mainegourmet under the “nautical beach” themed items. If he cannot access the Internet, I’d be happy to forward him a copy. I can be reached at 66 4th St., Auburn, ME 04210. – Stephanie Bernatchez, Auburn.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Inform Us section under Press Release.