Moped and scooters are usually ideal for someone who doesn’t want to use a passenger vehicle or a motorcycle but needs something faster than a bicycle. However, before you can use your beloved vehicle, you need to understand the state’s laws and how you can go about it in case of an moped or scooter injury in Connecticut. Otherwise, you could face an injury, and you’ll not know how to address such situations.
Most importantly, you need to know whether these modes of transport are treated as motorcycles in Connecticut. Through this understanding, you’ll be able to address some legal issues that may arise after an accident.
Scooter and Moped Under Connecticut Law
In Connecticut, a moped is defined as a motor-driven cycle with two or three wheels in contact with the ground. The vehicle must also have an automatic transmission and a motor that doesn’t exceed 50 cc displacement.
On the other hand, a scooter is classified as a motor-driven cycle with two wheels in contact with the ground. The scooter should also have a motor that doesn’t exceed 50 cc displacement and is designed to allow the operator to ride without their feet touching the ground when they’re stopped.
However, it’s considered a motorcycle if your moped or scooter doesn’t fall under the two definitions.
Motorcycle Under Connecticut Law
A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with three or more wheels in contact with the ground. The vehicle should also have an automatic transmission and a seat or saddle for the rider. The law states that motorcycles don’t include mopeds and scooters, which fall under the two definitions. Therefore, it’s considered a motorcycle if your moped or scooter doesn’t fall under the two definitions.
Operating and Registering a Moped and Scooter in Connecticut
Anyone who wants to operate a moped or scooter in Connecticut must have a valid driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you can only operate the vehicle if you’re 16 years old and above and have completed a moped safety course approved by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
Additionally, all mopeds and scooters must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles before they can be used on any public road in the state. The registration process is similar to that of motorcycles. You’ll be required to submit an application form, the required fee, and proof that you have insurance.
It’s also worth noting that anyone who wants to operate a moped or scooter on a public highway must wear a properly fitted and fastened motorcycle helmet that meets the United States Department of Transportation standards. This will help ensure that you’re protected in case of an accident.
Where Can You Operate Scooters and Moped in Connecticut?
Mopeds and scooters can only be operated on public highways with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. You’re not allowed to operate the vehicle on any limited-access highway in the state. This includes interstate highways and other roads designed for high-speed travel. Additionally, you’re not allowed to operate the vehicle on any sidewalk, bicycle lane, or crosswalk in the state.
However, it’s essential to communicate that there are exemptions to the law. You can operate a moped on a limited-access highway if you’re using the highway to cross from one side to the other. The same applies if you’re using the highway to access a public beach or park that the limited-access highway can only reach.
Rules for Operating Mopeds and Scooters
As you’ll notice, while operating your moped or scooter, there are various rules that you must follow to ensure that you and other road users are safe. For instance, you can only operate the vehicle during daylight hours. This means that you can only operate the moped between sunrise and sunset.
Additionally, you can only carry one person on the moped or scooter. The rider must be sitting on the seat behind the operator. No other passengers are allowed to ride on the moped, and no one can ride in any sidecar that might be attached to the vehicle.
It’s also essential to note that you should never operate a moped or scooter while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so puts you and other road users at risk of getting injured in an accident. The same applies to operating the vehicle while distracted. You should never take your hands off the handlebars or take your eyes off the road to do something else.
Scooters and mopeds are treated differently than motorcycles in the state of Connecticut. However, both vehicle types must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles and operated by the state’s laws and regulations. By following these rules, you can ensure that you stay safe while operating your moped or scooter.
Scooters and Moped Accidents in Connecticut
Just like motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are susceptible to accidents. And when these accidents involve another vehicle, the riders of the scooter or moped are often seriously injured. In some cases, these injuries can even be fatal. Some of the common scooter and moped injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
Unfortunately, most other road users think that scooters and moped riders are at fault for the accidents. They believe that these riders are reckless and careless. But in reality, most of these accidents are caused by the negligence of other road users. For instance, many car and truck drivers fail to see scooters and mopeds on the road. As a result, they hit these riders, causing them serious injuries.
Contact an Accident Lawyer Today for Assistance
As highlighted above, most road users think that mopeds and scooters don’t have rights on the roads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. However, as discussed above, there are multiple benefits that scooters and moped riders must enjoy in Connecticut. However, you must follow the above-mentioned laws and regulations to avoid legal problems.
If you’re involved in an accident while riding a moped or a scooter in Connecticut, you need to contact your accident attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer will highlight your rights and ensure you’re compensated as needed.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have the necessary experience and understanding of scooter and moped laws in Connecticut. We’ll work with you to ensure that you get fair compensation for injuries caused.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation.