Trial-Tested Clearwater Scooter And Moped Accidents Attorneys
Mopeds and electric scooters are easy, convenient and environmentally friendly ways of getting around Clearwater and the rest of the Tampa Bay area. Unfortunately, motorists who do not respect scooter and moped riders’ right to the road cause terrible collisions that put riders in grave danger. Getting hit by a much larger and more powerful vehicle while riding a scooter or moped can leave you with lifelong disabilities or cause the death of someone you love. If this has happened to you, our Florida personal injury attorneys at Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, can help you seek maximum compensation.
How Does Florida Define Street-Legal Scooters, E-Scooters And Mopeds?
Florida moped laws define a moped as a vehicle with:
- Pedals to propel the vehicle by human power
- A seat or saddle for the rider
- No more than three wheels on the ground
- A motor rate not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and with a maximum speed of 30 mph on flat road
Note that a moped is not the same thing as a motor scooter, which has a larger motor.
The legal definition of a motorized scooter or e-scooter is similar but without a seat or saddle. A non-motorized scooter is one that can be propelled by human power only.
What Are Florida’s Moped And Scooter Laws?
Moped owners must register their vehicles with the local county tax office. They must ride on the streets, not bike lanes or sidewalks. A younger moped rider must display a special license plate if they are under 21, and passengers under 16 are required to wear a helmet. Motorized scooters must also stay off sidewalks and bike lanes, but are otherwise unregulated at the state level.
Do You Need A License To Drive A Moped In Florida?
If your moped’s engine’s displacement is larger than 50 cubic centimeters, you need the same Class E driver’s license required of motorcycle riders, and you must be at least 16. A moped with a displacement of 50 cc or less does not require a license.
Who Can Be Held Responsible In A Scooter, E-Scooter Or Moped Accident?
The answer depends on the details of what happened. If the driver negligently caused your moped crash in some way, such as by failing to yield, following you too closely or running a stop sign, they could be liable for your injuries. If a commercial truck driver caused the accident, their employer might also be responsible.
Call Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC Today For A Free Consultation
To learn more about recovering damage after an e-scooter or moped accident, contact Thacker and Mulvihill, PLLC, for a consultation. Call 727-222-1570.