The coolest ride in town?

I saw on Sunrise this morning that a man had been charged by Police for riding a motorised esky on a footpath in Victoria. The guy was unlicensed and presumably, the eksy was unregistered.

I had no idea such a thing existed. Although I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. It must be an Aussie invention. Now I know they exist, I wonder why they're not scooting all over the place on Australia Day.

An online article released by Victoria Police says the guy was hit was $1476 worth of fines and the 49cc* esky was impounded for 30 days "under the local council laws in relation to the use of unregistered recreational vehicles on council land."

Um, exactly how does one register an esky? Presumably Victoria has a general recreational vehicle registration that covers all those things onto which people could stick a motor. Would they issue number plates? Would it need a pink slip safety inspection and if so how could it possibly pass?? They don't have seatbealts or even seats!

Incredibly, a tow truck was called to remove the esky. If the guy was booked driving on the footpath, was it picked up by hand and lifted onto the road so it could be towed by the truck? Seems like a bit of overkill to me.

The police article also said the guy "did not have a license to drive an esky or any other vehicle". I'm sorry, a licence to drive an esky?? I'm starting to question this media officer's qualifications. Or sense of humour.

It's not the first time someone has been in trouble with the law for their motorised cooler. Earlier this month, a guy in South Australia was reported for driving unlicensed, and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. So not only does the esky have to be registered, it also needs insurance?

I'm guessing the cost of registration and insurance would be more than the actual esky, which you can buy for $550. Plus the cost of a licence. Would you need a motorcycle licence rather than a car licence? It's all a bit ridiculous isn't it?

*Another small learning on the side: 49cc refers to the engine size and cc = cubic centimeters.