As the popularity of motorized bicycles has grown in recent years, moped accidents have become more common in Massachusetts.
Mopeds, sometimes known as “motorized bicycles” under state law, are compact, lightweight vehicles that can be propelled by a small gas engine or manual pedaling. For Boston residents, they may be a cost-effective, convenient, and entertaining way to navigate city streets. They can, however, be quite harmful. Because moped riders, like motorcyclists, are largely unprotected from direct contact with the pavement, other vehicles, and fixed objects, moped crashes can result in serious injuries and even fatalities.
Although the phrases “moped” and “scooter” are sometimes used interchangeably, they are structurally and functionally distinct. The registration, licensing, and insurance requirements for mopeds and scooters are also varied under Massachusetts law.
Thousands of moped crashes were studied over a five-year period in a study published in the Journal Trauma.
- Greater death rates were linked to unpaved roads, higher speeds, and insufficient lighting.
Moped accident lawyers in Boston at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers know that regardless of whether riders are licensed, registered, or insured, moped operators and passengers can typically recover damages from other irresponsible drivers. Apart from the possibility of receiving a traffic ticket in that circumstance, the greater risk of serious injury in a moped accident makes obtaining proper vehicle insurance (bodily injury liability, UM/UIM coverage, and so on) a wise decision for moped owners and operators. In addition, uninsured moped operators may be held personally accountable for the costs of passenger injuries, as well as harm to pedestrians or other third parties.
The City of Boston defines mopeds as “motorized bicycles” with automated transmissions and cylinder capacities of less than 50 cubic centimeters. They must also be unable to travel faster than 30 miles per hour.
Mopeds must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in terms of design and construction (FMVSS). A 17-digit VIN (vehicle identification number) must be displayed on each moped, as well as a license plate on the back.
All additional state-level requirements and restrictions for operation are outlined in MGL ch. 90 s. 1B.
To legally ride a motorized bicycle, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. They are allowed to ride their mopeds on the road, but only at a speed of 25 mph and must adhere to all state traffic laws, including obeying posted signs and electronic signals.
Mopeds must be registered with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and display a valid registration sticker to be considered street legal.
Operators are allowed to go on any public road, except limited access and expedited state highways (where no bicycles are permitted due to safety concerns stemming from close-proximity to high-speed motor vehicles).
Anyone operating a moped must wear a helmet that meets minimum safety standards, and passengers who are not wearing a helmet are not permitted to ride.
With two exceptions, anyone riding a motorized bicycle must adhere to all applicable state traffic laws and regulations in general:
- When overtaking another car on the road, mopeds, unlike other powered vehicles, can stay to the right.
- Any intention to turn or stop on a motorized bike must be signaled with one hand.
Another distinction between mopeds and cars or motorcycles is that they are allowed to be driven in road cycling lanes. They are not, however, permitted on off-street recreational cycling lanes. The reason for this is is these multi-use paths are shared by non-motorized cyclists, joggers, dogwalkers, and people pushing strollers; an unexpected contact with a moped traveling at 25 mph could result in serious injury.
The fines for breaking Massachusetts moped laws aren’t particularly high ($25 for a first offense, $50 for a second offense, and $100 for a third and subsequent offense). A crash is the more expensive risk.
Mopeds are not required by the Commonwealth to be insured in the same way as other vehicles unless they satisfy the criteria and are registered as a limited use vehicle (if it can go faster than 30 mph but not faster than 40 mph), in which case you must have the same coverage as a motorcyclist.
It’s a good idea to protect yourself against the financial implications of a car accident, regardless of the criteria. This includes not just liability coverage for any accidents you may have, but also supplementary coverage in the event that you are hit by a careless driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your losses. Several vehicle insurers in Massachusetts provide affordable moped insurance, which is typically less expensive than motorcycle insurance but provides essentially the same coverage.
- Liability for bodily injury and property damage. This covers you for any property damage you may do, as well as damages for injuries caused by other drivers and/or passengers you injured. It may even cover the costs of your legal defense.
- Coverage is extensive. This covers the cost of repairing or replacing the moped if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed (minus the deductible).
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). As outlined in MGL ch. 174 s. 113L, this is important coverage to have because it allows the insured (and any resident relatives in the crash) to recover the difference between what a negligent uninsured/underinsured driver is able to pay (which may only be the statutory minimum of $20,000 per person) and your actual damages, up to the policy limits.
Unfortunately, no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits are not available in moped accidents, so we will need to find a negligent defendant against whom we can bring a claim. If you were only partially to blame, don’t be too concerned. Massachusetts has a modified comparative fault statute with a 51 percent bar, which means you can file a moped injury case as long as you aren’t more at fault than the defendant for causing the incident.
Do you need a license for a 50cc scooter in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you must have a driver’s license to ride a moped. Operators of mopeds must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit. To operate a moped, you do not require a special or Class M license, as you would for a motorbike. You must register your moped, but no title is required. Your registration sticker must be affixed to your moped and kept up to date each year.
Does a 50cc moped require insurance?
If your moped or scooter has an engine capacity of 50cc or more, or can reach a top speed of 30 mph or more, most states need you to obtain liability auto insurance in order to ride it on public roadways. If your moped has a capacity of less than 50cc or has a top speed of less than 30 mph, you will almost certainly not be required to purchase insurance.
A moped or scooter cannot be covered by an automobile insurance policy. Some motorcycle insurance packages include coverage for mopeds and scooters. Other insurers have plans specifically for mopeds and scooters. If you lease or finance a moped or scooter, you will almost certainly be required to insure it by the lender or leasing company.
Do you have to insure a moped?
In California, riding a moped necessitates insurance coverage, whereas riding a motorized scooter does not. In California, you are not required to have insurance when using a motorized scooter; this coverage is fully voluntary. Mopeds, on the other hand, must have the same insurance as motorbikes.
How do you get a moped license in MA?
- For a used motorized bicycle/moped, a bill of sale is required; for a new motorized bicycle/moped, a manufacturer’s certificate of origin is required.
You will receive a license plate and an expiration decal to place to the back of your motorbike when you register it.
Moped
- It is what it is. Today’s mopeds have a step-through frame (with or without pedals) and a 50cc (cee-cee is moto-speak for cubic centimeter) or smaller motor. They were first termed because they were a bicycle with a motor (meaning a motorized pedal vehicle).
- What you need to know Mopeds have a top speed of 40 mph (less with more weight on the rider) and can get triple-digit gas mileage.
Scooter
- It is what it is. A scooter has the same step-through frame as a moped, but a larger, 250cc engine.
- What you should be aware of. Scooters have a higher top speed and a lower gas mileage than motorcycles. A 150cc scooter, for example, can reach 60 mph and get up to 70 mpg, whereas a 250cc scooter can reach 75 mph but only get about 60 mpg. However, you may not be permitted to ride a scooter on the highway; verify your local engine size or horsepower requirements.
Motorcycle
- It is what it is. Motorcycles are distinguished by their design. In contrast to scooters and mopeds with a step-through frame, the engine is mounted forward, between the driver’s knees. The driver is sitting erect, her back parallel to the road.
- What you should be aware of. Motorcycles have an engine size that allows them to share the road with any other motorized vehicle.
Do you need license for scooter?
This type of license requires a minimum age of 16 years old. You must first complete your CBT. After that, you must pass the Motorcycle Theory Test, as well as training and a practical test on a machine with a capacity of up to 50cc. You can ride any Moped (up to 50cc) without L-plates and carry a pillion passenger, which is a benefit above simply finishing a CBT course.
Do you need license for moped?
It is dependent on the state in which you wish to ride the moped. Depending on the legislation in your state, you may be required to have a motorcycle license to ride a moped. Scooters, for example, require a motorbike license and registration regardless of where you live due to their 150cc engines. Mopeds, on the other hand, have a smaller 50cc engine. As a result, a moped may not need to be registered or have a motorbike license.
Some states, such as California, require a learner’s permit or a normal driver’s license even if the moped has a 50cc engine. Other states do not require a license, however riders may be required to be of a certain age. North Carolina, for example, requires riders to be at least 16 years old.
In Arkansas, the minimum age to operate a moped is ten years old, but in New Mexico, the minimum age is thirteen years old.
A number of other states have stricter age restrictions for moped riders. The age range is often 14 to 16 years old. In Kansas, Alabama, and Alaska, the minimum age to ride a motorcycle or scooter is 14 years old. The minimum age is 15 in Hawaii, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana, so it’s a little higher.
Other states have a minimum age requirement of 16 to 18 years, and some also require riders who do not meet the minimum age to complete an educational program.
In addition, most jurisdictions demand a driver’s license or a motorcycle license if your moped has an engine larger than 50cc. If you receive a conventional driver’s license, it should come with a motorbike endorsement. Vespas, for example, are classified as scooters rather than mopeds. If a Vespa is larger than 50cc, the rider must have a motorcycle license in order to use it.
However, in certain states, 50cc Vespas can be driven with a conventional driver’s license. Indiana, Arkansas, Connecticut, Colorado, North Carolina, New York, New Hampshire, Iowa, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oregon, Virginia, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are among the states.
Other bikes, such as the Honda Grom, require a motorcycle license to operate because their engines are larger than 50cc.
So, how about the Honda Ruckus? Because this moped has a 49cc engine, it does not require a motorcycle license to operate. The Metropolitan from Honda likewise has a 49cc engine, making it feasible to ride without a motorcycle license and with just a conventional driver’s license. If your moped does not fall into the category of being exempt from requiring a motorcycle license, you will need to obtain one.
Do I need a license to drive a scooter?
London Motorcycle Training can help you identify and schedule one-day basic rider training classes, also known as CBT (Compulsory Basic Training), in a variety of venues across London, seven days a week. The cost of a CBT is roughly £100 during the week and £160 on weekends, and our pricing includes everything: bike, helmet, and gloves rental, as well as insurance. This CBT course is all you need to start legally riding a scooter or motorcycle with an engine capacity of up to 125cc in the UK if you already have a Provisional or Full UK vehicle license.
If you have an international driver’s license (not an EU driver’s license), you must first apply for a provisional driver’s license.