But you can ride an e-bike, which in law has the same maximum speed*, at 14. And in many countries you can legally ride a moped, with a top speed double that, at the same age.
*Strictly speaking an electrically assisted pedal cycle has no maximum speed, and is not subject to speed limits, but the electric assistance should cut out at 15mph.
I think the distinction is that an e-bike needs pedalling like the traditional old fashioned non-e-bike. The motor is to assist, rather than propel. Also, it has inherent stability - take your hands of the bars, and it continues in a straight line along the road. Try that on a scooter, and you continue in a different straight line, experiencing a rapid decrease in potential energy until your face meets the road.
You can ride a moped legally at 14 in other countries, true, especially those where life seems a little cheaper than in our own nanny state. There are still places where a girl can marry at 13, or even younger, which doesn't make it a good idea.
