Injuries from Moped Accidents
By Pyle Law, November 18 2022 7:34 pmA moped is a bicycle-like vehicle (or a two-wheeled vehicle) with pedals and a low-powered motor, providing an economical form of transport. The word “moped,” derived from the word “motor-pedal,” refers to the vehicle’s bicycle-like pedals. The driver typically uses pedals to move the vehicle and engage an assistive motor. It often has a 50cc or smaller engine and/or a top speed of 28 mph.
Because of their smaller engine size and the fact that they don’t go over 28 mph, moped riders are typically not required to buy liability insurance.
While this description fits most mopeds in other states, Kansas law makes it mandatory for moped drivers to register their vehicle with the Kansas DMV as well as carry insurance. Also, if your vehicle can go over 30 mph, you must obtain a motorcycle operator license as well.
Mopeds are convenient and fun, but accidents can also happen. If you suffered injuries in a moped accident, seek help from a personal injury attorney right away.
A motorized bicycle or moped in Kansas is classified as:
Due to its limited speed, you should not drive a moped on the highway if it does not go over the 30-mph speed. Instead, riders generally drive mopeds on urban or city streets, close to the berm or along sidewalks.
Frequently, mopeds are confused with scooters, but the two technically are not the same. Scooter engines range from 50cc to 250cc and feature a step-through chassis construction. The vehicles, which feature a manual or automatic transmission, are lightweight, fuel-efficient, and easy to manage. A 150cc scooter often can go as fast as 60 mph.
Mopeds often are popular among younger people and college students. While mopeds can be a fun and convenient way to get around, they also come with a risk of serious injury.
Moreover, moped accidents can often be more serious than car accidents because the riders are more exposed and vulnerable. Accidents involving these vehicles often result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and spinal cord injuries.
Both riders and pedestrians can experience severe injuries whenever a moped is involved in an accident, whether it’s on a city street or on a sidewalk. For example, a pedestrian can easily get hit by a moped while traveling down a sidewalk. The driver may be going too fast to get around the walker or may not see the pedestrian in time to stop.
Indeed, mopeds can be dangerous even though they seem harmless because of their small size. The questions below further address the risks associated with moped accidents.
Moped accidents are different from other types of accidents in a few keyways. First, mopeds are much smaller and lighter than other vehicles on the road, which can make powered two-wheeled (PTW) vehicles harder for cars to see.
Second, mopeds don’t have seat belts or airbags, so riders can easily get ejected from the vehicle during a crash.
Moreover, because mopeds have two wheels, it makes them less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. As a result of these factors, moped riders are more likely to be seriously injured in a crash than people in other types of vehicles.
The most common injuries from moped accidents are head injuries (traumatic brain injuries and facial injuries), followed by injuries to the leg and foot.
Injuries to the leg and foot are often caused by being pinned under the moped after an accident. Other common injuries include broken bones, road rashes or burns, and internal bleeding.
Statistics also reveal that over 90% of moped drivers are uninsured and a mere 17% of drivers in some locales were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
To learn more about your rights in submitting a moped accident claim, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation. In Kansas, your go-to law firm is Pyle Law. Call (620) 241-9000 or use our online form to schedule an appointment now.
