Operating a motorcycle or moped on the roadway comes with inherent risk. If you’re involved in an accident with a larger vehicle, your injuries can be serious or even life-threatening. Taking precautions, such as wearing a helmet and driving defensively, can help mitigate your risks on the road. Learn about some of the most common causes of moped accidents below to help you avoid these incidents. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident on the road, no matter the size of your ride, reach out to a personal injury lawyer to find out what your options are for seeking compensation and protecting your future.
What Is a Moped?
A moped is a specific type of two- or three-wheeled vehicle that looks like a scooter or motorbike. Mopeds have handlebars that allow the rider to steer them and electric or gas engines that support maximum speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. If you have a moped that can travel more than 30 miles per hour due to modifications, it is no longer considered a moped. At that point, it’s considered a motorcycle.
Can You Legally Operate a Moped on Nevada Roads?
Yes, as long as your moped includes all the safety requirements to operate on the road, you can ride it on public roads in Nevada. Typically, you must remain in the right lane on the road unless it is unsafe to do so or you need to make a left-hand turn. To operate a moped on the road, you only need a driver’s license. However, if you convert your moped to a motorcycle by increasing its maximum speed, you can only operate it legally on the road if you have the necessary license endorsements to ride a motorcycle.
Common Causes of Accidents Involving Mopeds
Whether you’re operating a moped or a two-wheel vehicle you’ve successfully converted into a motorcycle, understanding some common causes of accidents can help you avoid certain situations that could make dangers more likely.
Risky or Dangerous Operation of a Moped
Operating a moped on the roadway in any manner that is against the law or in contrast to what a rational person would deem safe can put you at greater risk. You must always be aware that you are riding a smaller vehicle than the cars and trucks on the road. Because of this, other drivers may be less aware of you and may not see your moped. Driving carefully and avoiding driver blind spots can help you stay safe. Taking risky actions, such as weaving in and out of traffic or splitting lanes, can compromise your safety. Splitting lanes occurs when a moped driver or motorcycle driver rides between vehicles that are operating in two lanes. This is not a location on the roadway that you can legally ride in, even if your vehicle is small enough to fit.
Poor Road Conditions
Another common factor in moped accidents is the condition of the road. A moped operates on two relatively small tires, which means they can have less traction than larger four-wheeled vehicles do. Rainy conditions that lead to slick, wet roads can cause your moped to skid or slide, leading to accidents. Hazards on the road itself, such as potholes, can also be a danger to moped operators. Such bumps can cause your moped to shift forward and unseat you, sending you over the handlebars. Keeping a close eye on the road in front of you is imperative to safety when riding a moped on Nevada streets.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a common cause of all types of collisions. Drivers in cars and trucks that are distracted by looking at a text or fiddling with their radio can look away from the road just long enough to miss that a moped is nearby or has merged into the lane. That can lead to a serious accident when the car or truck hits the moped.
Other Drivers Not Seeing the Moped
Even when drivers are not distracted and are paying attention to the road, they might not see a moped. Smaller vehicles can be obscured by signs, bushes, trees, or other vehicles. When driving a moped, use defensive driving methods such as watching other drivers and noting whether they are looking in your direction or not. If you notice that a driver hasn’t looked in your direction and their vehicle is moving toward you, you may need to take evasive action to hopefully avoid a collision.
Drivers Operating Mopeds or Other Vehicles Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
According to motorcycle accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 27 percent of fatal accidents involving motorcycles (including mopeds) in 2020 involved alcohol-impaired riders. Just because a moped can’t reach speeds over 30 miles per hour doesn’t make it safe to operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Operating a moped under the influence can put you and others at serious risk. At the same time, many accidents involving mopeds are also caused by people operating cars or trucks under the influence.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney if You’re Injured in a Moped Accident
While everyone should take precautions to support safety on the road, accidents do, unfortunately, happen. If you are involved in a moped accident caused by someone else, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact High Stakes Injury Law to find out whether you have a potential case for compensation and what the next steps might be.
If you have a moped that can travel more than 30 miles per hour due to modifications, it is no longer considered a moped. At that point, it’s considered a motorcycle. 
Hazards on the road itself, such as potholes, can also be a danger to moped operators. Such bumps can cause your moped to shift forward and unseat you, sending you over the handlebars. Keeping a close eye on the road in front of you is imperative to safety when riding a moped on Nevada streets. 
Just because a moped can’t reach speeds over 30 miles per hour doesn’t make it safe to operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Operating a moped under the influence can put you and others at serious risk. At the same time, many accidents involving mopeds are also caused by people operating cars or trucks under the influence.