Scooters are referred to as motor-driven cycles and as long as they go under 30 miles per hours; they still have to be registered, insured and inspected but a person does not need a license to drive a motor scooter or a motor-driven cycle as opposed to a motorcycle. Examples of DC motor scooter laws include no helmet requirement and permission to use the bike lane. If you want to know more about motor scooter accidents, speak with a capable motorcycle accident attorney that could answer your questions.
A motorcycle has a piston displacement of more than 50 cubic centimeters that is capable of traveling at over 35 miles per hour. It has more than one and a half brake horsepower and the wheels are under 16 inches. A motorized bicycle has a piston displacement of not more than 50 cubic centimeters and is incapable of speeds of more than 30 miles per hour and does not have more than one and a half horsepower of brakes.
One of the differences between motor scooters and motorcycles is that the cost of registering a motorcycle is more expensive. Also, there is no helmet requirement for Vespa riders, and they can ride in a bike lane. Those are the biggest differences. The motor scooter rider can also park in a bike rack.
While there are some differences between DC motor scooter laws and motorcycle laws, there are also similarities. For example, people do need to register their motor scooters just like they have to register their motorcycles. Individuals must also possess drivers licenses as well. Motor scooterists and motorcyclists have to register their vehicles as well.
Due the fact that people do not go as fast when riding Vespas, they are less likely to die if they get in a motor scooter accident than a motorcycle accident. With that being said, since a person does not have to wear a helmet, they are more likely to sustain injuries. They can still go up to 30 miles an hour and if a person is on a motor scooter and going 30 miles an hour, they are still exposed to the elements and they are still on the streets and can get involved in a serious accident.
Usually, the most common injury in a Vespa accident is going to be fractured bones. Road rash is another injury, as well as soft-tissue injuries, disfigurement, dismemberment, and death. Despite not being as dangerous as motorcycles, motor scooters can result in serious injuries, which is why it is important to observe DC motor scooter laws.
There are no helmet laws so if someone is not wearing a helmet, it is not fatal to the claim whereas a motorcycle case if a person is not wearing a helmet, they have a very low chance.
If there is a contributory negligence defense, then the person could lose the case. If that does not exist, then the person is more likely to win. In order to learn more, an individual should reach out to a knowledgeable motor scooter accident attorney that could answer additional questions they may have about DC motor scooter laws.
