The ONLY reason the dangerous scooters are being sold again is that they passed a law allowing the mopeds and scooters to be driven without a motorcycle license,only a car license is required.
Around here you don't need any license at all car or motorcycle you don't even need insurance, all you need is some sort of photo ID and you're good to go. In fact most around here with a moped almost assuredly are riding a moped/scooter because they got busted for a DUI and got their drivers license taken away.
You're right if its a scooter or a moped: defined as designed for less than 25mph, less than 50cc, less than 2hp. More
than that and its considered a motorcycle for licensing purposes.
Now granted there are flagrant violators and many scooters that appear small can well outperform the criteria, but the law is clear. Bigger than 50cc its a motorcycle.
And larger scooter technology has lept forward. They are fast, comfortable, and as safe as any other 2 wheeler in its own right.
Lucky and others may be living in the distant past.